‘Personally, I would go to the end of the world for you, Lady Constantine; but—’
‘No buts!’
‘How can I leave?’
‘Why not?’
‘I am preparing a work on variable stars. There is one of these which I have exceptionally observed for several months, and on this my great theory is mainly based. It has been hitherto called irregular; but I have detected a periodicity in its so-called irregularities which, if proved, would add some very valuable facts to those known on this subject, one of the most interesting, perplexing, and suggestive in the whole field of astronomy. Now, to clinch my theory, there should be a sudden variation this week,—or at latest next week,—and I have to watch every night not to let it pass. You see my reason for declining, Lady Constantine.’
‘Young men are always so selfish!’ she said.
‘It might ruin the whole of my year’s labour if I leave now!’ returned the youth, greatly hurt. ‘Could you not wait a fortnight longer?’
‘No,—no. Don’t think that I have asked you, pray. I have no wish to inconvenience you.’
‘Lady Constantine, don’t be angry with me! Will you do this,—watch the star for me while I am gone? If you are prepared to do it effectually, I will go.’
‘Will it be much trouble?’