‘I am going there too. When do you go?’
‘I shall be in Rouen next Wednesday, I hope.’
‘May I ask where?’
‘Hôtel Beau Séjour.’
‘Will you give me an answer there? I can easily call upon you. It is now a month and more since you first led me to hope—’
‘I did not lead you to hope—at any rate clearly.’
‘Indirectly you did. And although I am willing to be as considerate as any man ought to be in giving you time to think over the question, there is a limit to my patience. Any necessary delay I will put up with, but I won’t be trifled with. I hate all nonsense, and can’t stand it.’
‘Indeed. Good morning.’
‘But Mrs. Petherwin—just one word.’
‘I have nothing to say.’