"I'm not absurd. If you say I'm not fit to know about your affairs—yes, and to interfere with them—I'm, I'm a chattel."
He smiled. "Nothing so peaceful," he assured her.
"If you wanted insignificance——"
"I didn't. I wanted you."
"I don't believe you knew what you were getting," she said, and left him.
When she came downstairs for dinner, she found him awaiting her in the hall.
"Well?" she said. Her eyes were very bright; she laughed at him. "Have you forgiven me for the harem?"
"Oh, hang the harem! Come into the smoking-room."
She touched him on the arm. "Basil," she said, "you nearly swore. I wish—I wish you would really do it."
"I've no doubt there will be plenty of opportunity."