“You had better ask her!”
“And if she consents, will you sing to me sometimes?”
“I am always singing or playing! There is nothing else to do here. The Baron and Baroness are almost always out, and I have no company but that of Bobby and Miss Wynward. It is terribly dull, I can tell you. I am longing to get away, but I do not know where to go.”
“Have you no friends in England?”
“Not one, except Mr. Tarver, who is my solicitor!”
“That sounds very grim. If you will let me count myself amongst your friends, I shall be so grateful.”
“I should like it very much! I am not so ignorant as not to have heard your name and to know that you are a celebrated man. But I am afraid I shall prove a very stupid friend for you.”
“I have no such fear, and if I may come and see you sometimes, I shall count myself a very happy man.”
“I am generally alone in the afternoon,” replied Miss Brandt, sophistically.
In another minute Mr. Pennell was saying good-night to his hostess and asking her permission to repeat his visit at some future time.