Tournier felt he had betrayed himself, and was vexed.
As to Cosin, he opened his eyes with amazement at the other’s vehemence of manner. Then a bright smile of surprise lighted up his face, and he said, “Why on earth then do you not ask her to be your wife?”
“My dear fellow,” replied Tournier, in his turn amazed, “you surely know why. Did you not tell me years ago that she would always be your companion through life? and do you think I could be such a base scoundrel as to breathe one single syllable to her that might tempt her for even a moment to think of leaving you?”
Cosin seemed really angry instead of pleased at this, and said severely, “And so you thought me such a selfish brute, that I would rather keep her sweet companionship to myself, and be her gaoler more than her brother, than give her a free woman’s choice to marry anyone that was worthy of her, and on whom (lucky dog!) she
had set her dear heart? I do not thank you for the compliment.”
Tournier looked on his irritated friend with admiring surprise. It was like the harsh grating of a heavy door that had hitherto barred his way to happiness, but was now opening.
“The thing is,” said Cosin in a milder tone, “does Alice like you?”
“I cannot say. She never did anything to make me suppose it. But I was not observant, for I did not think about it.”
“And yet, silly fellow that I am,” said Cosin, “I now remember how her face always lighted up when she heard about you, or we talked of your coming. What a blind bat I have been! Oh, how I hope she does like you. I am sure she must. But you must find it out, and if she has any scruples left, tell her to come to me and I will satisfy her.”
And Tournier, nothing loth, did find it out next day. The interview shall not be described, for such things are sometimes related with admirable