He turned. "Why, would you still be talking?" Their eyes met in defiance. "You can go," she said.
"I have had the honour to tell you so," he said, and was gone.
CHAPTER XIX
ALISON FINDS FRIENDS
It was on the second day after that Susan Burford and Mr. Hadley rode in to the Lincoln's Inn Fields. They found Alison and Mrs. Weston together, and both sewing—a fact which failed to interest Mr. Hadley, but surprised Susan, who knew Alison, without a taste for needlework.
"My dear," says Susan, embracing Alison physically and spiritually in her large, buxom, genial way.
"You have been a long time finding me," says Alison and put her off. "I suppose I know why you kindly come to me now."
"B-r-r-r-r!" Mr. Hadley made the sound of one who comes into a cold draught. "The truth is, Susan has been so busy improving herself that she has had no time for her friends. In fine, she has been trying to make herself worthy the honour of my affections and large enough to support the burden of my dignity. I don't say she satisfies me, but she does her best." He propelled Susan forward with his one hand. "'A poor thing, ma'am, but mine own.'"
"Oh, he is amusing himself, you see," says Susan, in her leisurely fashion.
"Damme, Susan, you're so mighty innocent that sometimes I believe you are innocent."