Such a strong and sudden assumption of fraternal authority took away her breath; and then, in terror lest he should know cause for this detention, she said—
‘Owen! you don’t guess who it was?’
‘How should I?’ he roughly answered. ‘Some villainous
slander, of course, there is, but it is no business of yours to be straking off to make it worse.’
‘I should not make it worse.’
‘Women always make things worse. Are you satisfied now?’ as the carriage was seen coming round.
‘That is only to be packed.’
‘Packed with folly, yes! Look here! 11.20, and the train at 12.5!’
‘I will miss the train, go up later, and sleep in London.’
‘Stuff and nonsense! Who is going to take you? Not I.’