'Unless you intend to marry her—forgive me for speaking so plain—there is only one thing to do. I must leave.'
'No, no; you must not leave! She could not live alone with me. But does she want you to leave?'
'No; that is the worst of it. I have proposed it; she will not hear of it; to mention the subject is to provoke a scene. She is afraid if I left that you would come and see me; and the very thought of my escaping her vigilance is intolerable.'
'It is very strange.'
'Yes, it is very strange; but, opposed though she be to all thoughts of it, I must leave.'
'As a favour I ask you to stay. Do me this service, I beg of you. I have set my heart on finishing my play this autumn. If it isn't finished now, it never will be finished; and your leaving would create so much trouble that all thought of work would be out of the question. Emily could not remain alone here with me. I should have to find another companion for her; and you know how difficult that would be. I'm worried quite enough as it is.' A look of pain passed through his eyes, and Mrs. Bentley wondered what he he could mean. 'No,' he said, taking her hands, 'we are good friends—are we not? Do me this service. Stay with me until I finish this play; then, if things do not mend, go, if you like, but not now. Will you promise me?'
'I promise.'
'Thank you. I am deeply obliged to you.'
At the end of a long silence, Hubert said, 'Will you not come up-stairs, and let me read you the first act?'