"You have no thought for my mother in that case." Nigel spoke in a measured, icy voice.
Mr. Carden-Cox could verily have answered "No." He was only angry with Clemente Browning just then.
"I have thought for my niece," he said. "That is more to the purpose."
Another break took place—Nigel looking on the ground, Mr. Carden-Cox looking at Nigel. At any other time he would have felt for Nigel, but now he felt only for himself. His self-love had been deeply wounded, and all other sensations were lost in this.
"Well?"
"You do not expect an instant decision, I suppose."
"Instant! After these weeks! Then you had not made up your mind yet!"
"To do what?"
"Marry Fulvia."
"I have not made up my mind to propose to her. A lady is usually supposed to have a voice in the matter." Nigel was not given to satire, but at the moment it was a relief.