CHAPTER XVIII.
A MORNING CALL.
"Learn now for all
That I, which know my heart, do here pronounce
By the very truth of it, I care not for you."—Cymbeline.
"John," said Valentine, ten days after this dinner party, "you have not called on D. yet, nor have I."
"No," John answered, observing his wish, "and it might not be a bad plan for us to go together."
"Thank you, and if you would add the twins to—to make the thing easier and less formal."
"Nonsense," said John; "but yes, I'll take some of the children, for of course you feel awkward." He did not add, "You should not have made such a fool of yourself," lest Valentine should answer, "I devoutly wish I had not;" but he went on, "And why don't you say Dorothea, instead of using a nickname?"
"I always used to call her D.," said Valentine.
"All the more reason why you should not now," answered John.
And Valentine murmured to himself—