"But I hoped, too", she continued, moving a little nearer to him, "that my coming might be in the way of a—pleasant surprise."
"Oh yes; certainly; very pleasant—very pleasant indeed."
"I'm a good deal relieved to hear you say that, Mr. Wappinger," she said, "because there was a possibility that you mightn't like it."
"Whether I like it or not", he said, warily, "will depend upon your motive."
"I don't think you'll find any fault with that. I came because I thought I could help Dorothea. I hoped I might be able indirectly to help you, too."
"What makes you think we're in need of help?"
She came near enough for him to see her smile.
"Because, until after you're married, you'll both be in an embarrassing position."
"There are worse things in the world than that."
"Not many. I can hardly imagine two people like Dorothea and yourself more awkwardly placed than you'll be from the minute she arrives. Remember, you're not Strephon and Chloe in a pastoral; you're two most sophisticated members of a most sophisticated set, who scarcely know how to walk about excepting according to the rules of a code of etiquette. Neither of you was made for escapade, and I'm sure you don't like it any more than she will."