“Now, Clayton, donʼt be childish. In your heart you know better”.
Of course he did, a great deal better. Then there was that to make up again, because she looked so hurt and so charming. But we canʼt stop here all day, or follow all these little doings, even if honour allowed us.
“And another thing, not so important, though, I have cut him out in, most decidedly”, said Clayton, lifting his head again; “the governor likes me long chalks better than he does Cradock, I can tell you”.
“No doubt of it, I should say, dear. But I donʼt think you ought to talk of it”.
“No, only to you. No secrets from oneʼs wife, you know. But you wonʼt tell your father yet, till Iʼve opened upon Sir Cradock”?
“Why not? I intend to tell him directly I get home. And one thing is certain, Clayton, he will be more angry than yours will”.
Clayton found it very difficult to change her determination. But at last he succeeded in doing so.
“But only for a week, mind; I will only put it off for a week, Clayton; and I would not do that, only as you say he would rush off at once to Sir Cradock; and I must give you time to take your father at the very best opportunity”.
“And when will that be, my sweet prime minister, in your most sage opinion”?
“Why, of course, on my dear loveʼs birthday, next week, when all those rejoicings are to be at his brother becoming of age”.