silence was like an irritating air, exaggerating discomfort.
"Perhaps I have been mistaken in another interpretation also," said Hans, presently.
"What is that?"
"That you had no wish to hold the position of a lover towards another woman, who is neither wife nor widow."
"I can't pretend not to understand you, Meyrick. It is painful that our wishes should clash. But I hope you will tell me if you have any ground for supposing that you would succeed."
"That seems rather a superfluous inquiry on your part, Deronda," said Hans, with some irritation.
"Why superfluous?"
"Because you are perfectly convinced on the subject—and probably you have had the very best evidence to convince you."
"I will be more frank with you than you are with me," said Deronda, still heated by Hans's show of temper, and yet sorry for him. "I have never had the slightest evidence that I should succeed myself. In fact, I have very little hope."
Hans looked round hastily at his friend, but immediately turned to his picture again.
