‘I have reminded you that I am forty-seven. If I am not old enough now to know what is sensible and suitable, I never shall be.’
‘Apparently not.’
This was more like Henry’s old form. But though he had scored her off, it did not seem to have encouraged him as much as scoring off generally did. He began again, almost as a suppliant.
‘Be guided by me, Lolly. At least, take a few days to think it over.’
‘No, Henry. I don’t feel inclined to; I’d much rather get it over now. Besides, if you are going to disapprove as violently as this, the sooner I pack up and start the better.’
‘You are mad. You talk of packing up and starting when you have never even set eyes on the place.’
‘I was thinking of going there to-day, to make arrangements.’
‘Well, then, you will do nothing of the kind. I’m sorry to seem harsh, Lolly. But you must put all this out of your mind.’
‘Why?’
‘It is impracticable.’