“Then I can only see one way.”
“Well—and that?”
“Adopt him,” said Kent. “An industrial school boy can be run by a committee—the experiment is not very dangerous, but a conventional gentleman must have conventional references.”
His first words struck the chord she had shrunk from striking herself. It was the formulated suggestion of a vague desire. She was silent for a little. Then Winifred in response to a business summons went out on to the landing, and Kent and Clytie were left alone.
“I am afraid I have been too downright and have hurt you,” he said concernedly.
She shook her head and glanced at him smilingly.
“I came to you for common sense. You have given it me. And your conclusion is one that I dared not come to myself.”
“That you should adopt him? A reductio ad absurdum!”
“Yes, I feel it. I am not my own mistress now There are difficulties. Oh, Kent, don't let me talk of them! You see, I came to you for help—to no one else.”
“I don't quite understand you, Clytie,” said Kent, anxious at her sudden agitation.