‘Mr Atherton?’
‘What’s the matter?—What have I been saying now?’
‘Last night you invited me to come and see you this morning,—is that one of the follies of which your tongue was guilty?’
The engagement had escaped my recollection—it is a fact!—and my face betrayed me.
‘You had forgotten?’ Her cheeks flamed; her eyes sparkled. ‘You must pardon my stupidity for not having understood that the invitation was of that general kind which is never meant to be acted on.’
She was half way to the door before I stopped her,—I had to take her by the shoulder to do it.
‘Miss Grayling!—You are hard on me.’
‘I suppose I am.—Is anything harder than to be intruded on by an undesired, and unexpected, guest?’
‘Now you are harder still.—If you knew what I have gone through since our conversation of last night, in your strength you would be merciful.’
‘Indeed?—What have you gone through?’