“That’s just what it is,” said Freddy bitterly. “No good saying I ain’t responsible for you, because I am. Mind, I didn’t think I should have to be at the outset—well, stands to reason I didn’t! Wouldn’t have let you talk me into this! —but the more I think of it the more I see that if you go and do something cork-brained there ain’t a soul who won’t say it was my fault for not taking better care of you.”
“Oh, no, Freddy!” she cried, shocked. “How could people say such a thing?”
“Well, they would. What’s more, quite true! Daresay I’d say it myself. Can’t bring a girl to town like this, and then let her do something bird-witted. Not the thing!”
“I promise you I won’t do anything bird-witted!” Kitty said earnestly, clasping his hand. “Indeed, Freddy, I don’t mean to tease you, for I am so very much obliged to you! And I never, never meant to be a charge on you!”
Much discomposed, Freddy made inarticulate noises. Miss Charing, still holding his hand, thought profoundly. Recovering himself, Freddy said: “No need to talk like that, Kit: happy to be of service! Fond of you! Proud of you, too.”
She turned her eyes towards him, astonished. “Proud of me? Oh, no! how could you be? You’re hoaxing me!”
“No, I ain’t. You’ve got taste, Kit. Always look just the thing! Credit to me!” He paused, and added, his brow creasing: “At least, except when you wear the wrong jewels. Ought to let me give you that garnet-set! No reason why you shouldn’t: the merest trumpery! Assure you!”
“There is every reason!” she responded, pressing his hand tightly, her eyes swimming. “Oh, Freddy, you are so very good to me, and I see what a Wretch I am to have put you in this fix!”
“No, no!” he said, horrified to see tears in her eyes. “Now, for the lord’s sake, Kit—! Nothing to cry about! Besides, can’t cry here! Have all the fools gaping at us! I ain’t in a fix. Only thing is, won’t have you attaching Dolph to you.” He looked round the room. “Where the deuce is the fellow?” he demanded.
“In one of the other rooms. Oh, Freddy, dare I trust you?”