"Not yet, Mrs. Thorburn," he answered, approaching her.
"Come, Arthur," she called, "we will show Mr. Fenton our flowers."
I wished them to be alone, so I answered that I would change my coat and then join them. Saying which I left the room.
But I was hardly in the hall before she came running after me. She took my hand and kissed it, saying, "Do you think I can be away from you?"
"But you should not leave our guest alone, Geraldine. I will join you in a few minutes."
"What is our guest compared to you, Arthur? Have you not been away from me? It was cruel to bring that man here; he comes between us; you are not all my own now. He will require your attention, and I shall hate him because you give it. I will ask him to go away."
I detained her by the hand, fearing she would actually carry out her threat.
"If you love me, darling," I said, "you will be courteous to this gentleman. You will not refuse me this favour."