THE AWKWARD AGE
take the idea, but not perhaps quite to know what to do with it. "Ah, I'm afraid I shall never really serve her right!"
Just as he spoke the butler reappeared; at the sight of whom Mrs. Brook immediately guessed. "Mr. Longdon?"
"In Mr. Brookenham's room, ma'am. Mr. Brookenham has gone out."
"And where has he gone?"
"I think, ma'am, only for some evening papers."
She had an intense look for Mitchy; then she said to the man: "Ask him to wait three minutes—I'll ring;" turning again to her visitor as soon as they were alone. "You don't know how I'm trusting you!"
"Trusting me?"
"Why, if he comes up to you."
Mitchy thought. "Hadn't I better go down?"
"No—you may have Edward back. If you see him, you must see him here. If I don't myself, it's for a reason."
Mitchy again just sounded her. "His not, as you awhile ago hinted—"
"Yes, caring for what I say." She had a pause, but she brought it out. "He doesn't believe a word—"
"Of what you tell him?" Mitchy was splendid. "I see. And you want something said to him."
"Yes, that he'll take from you. Only it's for you," Mrs. Brook went on, "really and honestly, and as I trust you, to give it. But the comfort of you is that you'll do so if you promise."
Mitchy was infinitely struck. "But I haven't promised, eh? Of course I can't till I know what it is."
"It's to put before him—"
"Oh, I see: the situation."
"What has happened here to-day. Van's marked retreat, and how, with the time that has passed, it makes
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