"Isn't it a pity that he shouldn't have been the elder?"
"I can't say that, Mr. Neville."
"No. It wouldn't be just civil to me. But I can say it. When we were here last winter I thought that my brother was—"
"Was what, Mr Neville?"
"Was getting to be very fond of you. Perhaps I ought not to say so."
"I don't think that much good is ever done by saying that kind of thing," said Miss Mellerby gravely.
"It cannot at any rate do any harm in this case. I wish with all my heart that he was fond of you and you of him."
"That is all nonsense. Indeed it is."
"I am not saying it without an object. I don't see why you and I should not understand one another. If I tell you a secret will you keep it?"
"Do not tell me any secret that I must keep from Lady Scroope."