'My dear Emily, whenever you like, I hope you will come here.'
'And you will come and stay with us in London? Your room will be always ready; I'll look after that. We shall feel very offended, indeed, if you ever think of going to an hotel. Of course, you mustn't expect much; we shall only be able to keep one servant, but we shall try to make you comfortable, and, when you come, you'll take me to the theatres, to see one of your own plays.'
'If my play's being played, certainly. But would it be right for me to pay you visits in London?'
'They would be very wicked people indeed who saw anything wrong in it; you are my cousin. But why do you say such things? You destroy all my pleasure, and I was so happy just now.'
'I'm afraid, Emily, your happiness hangs on a very slender thread.'
She looked at him inquiringly, but feeling that it would be unwise to attempt an explanation, he said in a different tone—
'But, Emily, if you love Ashwood so well, why do you go away?'
'Why do I go away? We have been here now some time.... I can't live here always.'