"Then suppose I share your quarters for the rest of the winter. I can't stand that hotel any longer."
The engineer flushed. Already he had put Clark away in the corner of his mind as one not comparable to any man he had ever met. His directness, his versatility, the suggestion of power that lay behind power,—all these Belding had found in him. And this was a little like being asked to share quarters with the Pope.
"I'm afraid you won't be very comfortable, sir." Belding had the use of a big house, but it was hard to heat.
"I'll be better off than where I am," said Clark, and that settled it. He had apparently conceived for the young man as much liking as he cared to show for any one. Presently he laughed.
"You're wondering why I asked whether you were going to be married."
"I am—rather."
"Well, it's only because I feel a bit superfluous to any one in that condition."
"Then you're not married yourself?" said Belding involuntarily.
Clark's eyes hardened. "No," he answered with extreme deliberation, "I am not, I am too busy." Presently his mood changed and he added provocatively, "But you're doomed, I see it in your face."
Belding smiled. "I haven't met her yet."