“I should not have said that. I’m sorry. But of course you knew that I wasn’t in earnest.”
“I don’t know why you should not have said it,” he answered. “As a matter of fact, you are quite right. I don’t like you any the less because you don’t like me. Liking isn’t a bargain with cash on delivery. I think I like you all the more for being so honest. Do you mind?”
“Not in the least. It’s a very good reason.” Clare smiled, and then suddenly looked grave again, wondering whether it would not be really honest to tell him then and there that she had overheard his last interview with Lady Fan.
But she reflected that it could only make him feel uncomfortable.
“And another reason why I like you is because you are combative,” he said thoughtfully. “I’m not, you know. One always admires the qualities one hasn’t oneself.”
“And you are not combative? You don’t like to be in the opposition? ”
“Not a bit! I’m not fond of fighting. I systematically avoid a row.”
“I shouldn’t have thought that,” said Clare, looking at him again. “Do you know? I think most people would take you for a soldier.”
“Do I look as though I would seek the bubble reputation at the cannon’s mouth?” Brook laughed. “Am I full of strange oaths?”
“Oh, that’s ridiculous, you know!” exclaimed Clare. “I mean, you look as though you would fight.”