"That is an admirable and meritorious woman," and De Burgh, drawing a chair beside the sofa where Katherine sat. "Why are you so savagely opposed to anything like friendly intercourse with me—so reluctant to let me do anything for you? Do you think I am such a cad as to think that anything I could do would entitle me to consider you under an obligation?"
"No, indeed, Lord de Burgh! I believe you to be too true a gentleman for—"
"For what? I see you are afraid of giving me what is called, in the slang of the matrimonial market, encouragement. Just put all that out of your mind, Let me have a little enjoyment, however things may end, and, believe me, I'll never blame you. I am not going to trouble you with my hopes and wishes, not at least for some time; and then, whatever the upshot, on my head be it."
"But I cannot bear to give you pain."
"Then don't—"
"Auntie, we are quite clean. Won't you come back to tea at Miss Payne's? Do make her come, Lord de Burgh."
"Ah, it is beyond my powers to make her do anything."
"I cannot come now, my darlings; but I will be with you about half past six, and we'll have a game before you go to bed."
"Come along, boys; we have intruded on your aunt long enough. Don't forget the circus on Friday, Miss Liddell."
Another hug from Cis and Charlie, a slight hand pressure from their newly found playfellow, and Katherine was left to her own reflections.