'Springfield's gone to London, hasn't he?' he asked.
'Yes,' I replied; and then I blurted out, 'He spent yesterday afternoon with Miss Bolivick. I am inclined to think you are right about his intentions concerning her.'
'Do you think he has spoken to her?'
'I shouldn't be surprised, and for that matter I am inclined to think he has had a serious conversation with her father.'
I was almost sorry, when I saw the look on his face, that I had spoken in this way. He became very pale, and his lips quivered as though he were much moved. 'Of course,' I went on, trying to make the best of my faux pas, 'it may be a good thing for you.'
'Why?' he asked.
'If he has been successful, it will make you see how foolish your thoughts are.'
'Do you know me so little as that?' he asked.
'But surely, my dear fellow,' I said, 'in the face of what I said yesterday, you will not think of entertaining such impossible ideas?'
'You mean about my having a wife somewhere,' and he laughed.