They got up from the table, and Mrs. Phillips stayed with the men to smoke. After his cigarette Sir John went to the Club. Mrs. Carden seated herself on a sofa and demanded a footstool, then when Launa announced an engagement for the afternoon, Lavinia arose and took her departure. Launa and Mr. Wainbridge drove off in a hansom.
“Do you think they are really going to hear music?” asked Mr. Herbert, when Lily and he were alone.
“Why not?”
“Because it is so hot, and because I would much rather talk to you here, so I naturally suppose every other man would rather talk to the woman he loves than listen to any music. I have made up my mind to marry you in a month.”
She smiled enigmatically.
“Very well. You know my bargain. I cannot live with my sister; she swamps me. Her mind and her life are like a bog. It is dull living alone; you would provide an element of excitement.”
“You say marriage is not love. Is it exciting?” he asked.
“A husband should be reviving,” she answered, “and should endeavour to be—a lover—always.”
Mr. Herbert came over to her.
“I shall always be your lover.”