Doggie took her hand and, very gently, led her to a chair.
“Let us sit down. There,” said he, “now we can talk more comfortably. First, before we touch on this situation, let me say something to you. It may ease things.”
Peggy, humiliated, did not look at him. She nodded.
“All right.”
“I made up my mind this morning to sell Denby Hall and its contents. I’ve given old Spooner instructions.”
She glanced at him involuntarily. “Sell Denby Hall?”
“Yes, dear. You see, I have made up my mind definitely, if I’m spared, not to live in Durdlebury after the war.”
“What were you thinking of doing?” she asked, in a low voice.
“That would depend on after-war circumstances. Anyhow, I was coming to you, when I entered the room, with my decision. I knew, of course, that it wouldn’t please you—that you would have something to say to it—perhaps something very serious.”
“What do you mean by something very serious?”