"What do you mean by 'make my error plain to me'?"
"You will see."
"Charles!" said Mowbray suddenly, "you cannot have designed to approach this lady upon the subject which I have spoken to you of, as friend to friend? That is not possible!"
"I shall not say one single word to your lady-love."
"Explain then."
"Never—I am a Sphinx, an oracle: until the time comes I am dumb."
"You only strive to raise my spirits," said Mowbray with his sad smile; "that is very kind in you, but I fear it is even more than you could do."
"By which I suppose you mean that I could 'raise your spirits' if any body could."
"I may say yes—for you have a rare cheerfulness. It is almost contagious."
Hoffland looked sidewise at his companion for a moment with a curious smile, and said: