XX
It was singular that though half an hour before he had not felt the want of the assurance he had just asked of her, yet now that he saw it definitely withheld it took an importance as instantly as a mirror takes a reflection. This importance was so great that he found himself suddenly scared by what he heard. He thought an instant with intensity. "In spite of knowing that you'll disappoint"—he paused a little—"the universal hope?"
"I know whom I shall disappoint; but I must bear that. I shall disappoint Cousin Kate."
"Horribly," said Tony.
"Horribly."
"And poor Paul—to within an inch of his life."
"No, not poor Paul, Mr. Bream; not poor Paul in the least," Jean said. She spoke without a hint of defiance or the faintest ring of bravado, as if for mere veracity and lucidity, since an opportunity quite
