She holds her breath for an instant, and then slowly nods.
Everet looks at the fire thoughtfully:
"How can that worry you?"
"Ed is anxious. It means—Ah!" throwing out her hands with a helpless, childish gesture, "it means everything. I cannot tell you why I am personally anxious."
"I understand that it can mean much to you in one way—but in a way that I did not suppose was of any moment to you. I understand all it means to Braine, but I am not in sympathy with it. I could not uphold it—it is a dishonest affair."
He looks at her. Her lips are pressed tightly together. Suddenly she says in a despairing little wail:
"Oh! it don't matter."
"What?"
"Whether it seems dishonest to you or not. It will fall through."
"Why?" looking at her sharply.