"That is just because I have not called."
"And now you are ready to do so on the strength of their great-uncle having been in 'Debrett,' Mab. I thought you were beyond that sort of thing."
"If it is being in love that makes you so unpleasant, my good boy, I do hope you will soon get over it."
"Get over it. You talk as if it was measles. Does one get over these things? But, if you find my company irksome, I can go to Portland Place, you know."
"Don't be offended; only you have been so terribly in the dumps lately. Why don't you propose, and have done with it?"
"I am waiting for leave," said Claud, with a laugh which ended in a sigh, as he hurriedly left the room.
CHAPTER XLVII.
A man may love a woman perfectly,
And yet by no means ignorantly maintain
A thousand women have not larger eyes;
Enough that she alone has looked at him
With eyes that, large or small, have won his soul.
Aurora Leigh.