THE AWKWARD AGE
to you in a moment 'Do speak to them for me'—I should leave the matter with delight in your hands. But I require time, let me remind you, and you haven't yet told me how much I may take."
This appeal had brought them again face to face, and Mr. Longdon's first reply to it was a look at his watch, "It's one o'clock."
"Oh, I require"—Vanderbank had recovered his pleasant humor—"more than to-night!"
Mr. Longdon went off to the smaller table that still offered to view two bedroom candles. "You must take of course the time you need. I won't trouble you—I won't hurry you. I'm going to bed."
Vanderbank, overtaking him, lighted his candle for him; after which, handing it and smiling: "Shall we have conduced to your rest?"
Mr. Longdon looked at the other candle. "You're not coming to bed?"
"To my rest we shall not have conduced. I stay up a while longer."
"Good." Mr. Longdon was pleased. "You won't forget then, as we promised, to put out the lights?"
"If you trust me for the greater you can trust me for the less. Good-night."
Vanderbank had put out his hand. "Good-night."
But Mr. Longdon kept him a moment. "You don't care for my figure?"
"Not yet—not yet. Please." Vanderbank seemed really to fear it, but on Mr. Longdon's releasing him with a little drop of disappointment they went together to the door of the room, where they had another pause.
"She's to come down to me—alone—in September."
Vanderbank hesitated. "Then may I come?"
His friend, on this footing, had to consider. "Shall you know by that time?"
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