"Gratitude isn't asked. I imagine that the proper forms would be."
He turned to me very quickly. "I'm on terms of acquaintance with a lady, or I'm not. If I am, I hope that I omit no courtesy."
"Nor give it grudgingly?"
"She told you to say that?"
"No—nor some other things I've said. But I know how she'd take any paring down of what is requisite." I ventured a smile at him. "You would have to call, I think, to-morrow." I let that sink in. "And Lady Sarah a few days afterwards."
He gave a short laugh. "You're speaking of matters of course, if this thing is decided as it looks like being."
I got up from my chair. "I go back with the promise of your neutrality?" I asked.
"Neutrality is surrender," he said.
"Yes, I think so. Young blood is in the question. Besides—as you see yourself—the prospect may to a young man seem—rather dazzling."
"Let me alone, Mr. Austin, let me alone, for God's sake!"