Silence now followed for a very long time. It was at length broken by Brooke.
"Talbot," said he, in a soft, low voice.
"Well, Brooke," said Talbot.
"Will you be silent if I say something?"
"Yes, Brooke."
"Not speak a word?"
"No, Brooke."
"Not move an inch?"
"No, Brooke."
"Well," said Brooke, on second thoughts, "I think I won't say it."