He looked clean through Frederic and made no sign of recognition, but passed on with his heavy rolling stride. Frederic fell in by his side like a terrier trying to attract the attention of a Newfoundland.
“I wonder what they’ve said to him. I suppose he’s devilish angry.”
And he fell to counting up his income and his debts, and wondering exactly how cheaply he could live in lodgings.
They walked for about half a mile in that fashion and it was Frederic who broke the silence.
“I didn’t mean to leave you like that. I meant to have it all out in one grand scene. I didn’t jib at it. I’m not a coward. Only suddenly it seemed to me so absurdly melodramatic. I couldn’t stand it so I cleared out . . .”
“I don’t think any explanation is necessary,” replied Francis in a curious toneless voice.
“By George! He is angry!” thought Frederic.
“I only want to know one thing,” said Francis. “Did you seduce the young woman with a promise of marriage?”
Frederic stole a glance at his father. It was such an odd question coming from him!
“There was never anything said of marriage from beginning to end. There never is in these cases. It’s so casual, you know. It seems to me jolly unfair that it should have the same result as when you are in dead earnest . . .”