'You are kind; I have Skepsey.' She relieved the situation of its cold-toned strain in adding: 'He is a host.'
'But I may come?—now! Have I not the right? You do not deny it me?'
'You are very generous.'
'I claim the right, then. Always. And subsequently, soon after, my mother hopes to welcome you at Cronidge. She will be glad to hear of your naming of a day. My father bids me . . . he and all our family.'
'They are very generous.'
'I may send them word this evening of a day you name?'
'No, Mr. Sowerby.
'Dudley?'
'I cannot say it. I have to see my parents.'
'Between us, surely?'