“I dare say. He may be the Poet Laureate for aught I know. But you must really go away now, or there will be a row.”
“And when may I come back?”
“It would be much better if you didn’t come back at all.”
Captain Mauleverer shook his head as he rose reluctantly.
“It’s no good talking like that, Vick. You have got to put up with me, so you may as well make the best of it.”
“Gerald! what nonsense!” Victoria spoke as though she were exceedingly cross. “Go away directly; do you hear?”
“You haven’t told me when I may see you again yet,” returned the obstinate Gerald.
“I am not going to do anything of the kind.”
“Then I shall stay here and compromise you,” said Gerald, preparing to sit down again.
“Well”—she lowered her voice, with a glance towards the door of communication with the next room—“my mother has a concert on Thursday night.”