"Yes, that was the name! Lord, to think I've lost you a fortune, Charles!"
"You must be crazy! I am persuaded Judith could never have entertained such an absurd notion!"
"Flirt with the chit, and see how your sister likes it!"
"No, no, I leave all that sort of thing to you, my sweet!"
"Wretch! Good God, how has this come about? I have talked myself into a good humour. I swear I meant to quarrel with you!" A doubt assailed her; she said challengingly: "Charles! Was it your doing?"
"Strategy of a staff officer? On my honour, no!"
She jumped up, and almost flung herself into his arms. There was an urgency in the face upturned to his; she said: "Marry me! Marry me soon - at once - before I change my mind!"
He took her face between his hands, staring down at her. She felt his fingers tremble slightly, and wondered what thoughts chased one another behind the trouble in his eyes. Suddenly his hands dropped to her shoulders, and thrust her away from him. "No!" he said curtly.
"No?" she repeated. "Don't you want to, Charles?"
"Want to!" He broke off, and turned from her to the fireplace, and stood looking down at the smouldering logs.