“I never heard anything so absurd in all my life,” said Mr. Blodwell, with emphasis.
George had just informed him of the treaty between himself and Neaera. He had told his tale with some embarrassment. It is so difficult to make people who were not present understand how an interview came to take the course it did.
“She seemed to think it all right,” George said weakly.
“Do you suppose you can shut people’s mouths in that way?”
“There are other ways,” remarked George, grimly, for his temper began to go.
“There are,” assented Mr. Blodwell; “and in these days, if you use them, it’s five pounds or a month, and a vast increase of gossip into the bargain. What does Gerald say?”
“Gerald? Oh, I don’t know. I suppose Mrs. Witt can manage him.”
“Do you? I doubt it. Gerald isn’t over easy to manage. Think of the position you leave him in!”
“He believes in her.”
“Yes, but he won’t be content unless other people do. Of course they’ll say she squared you.”