40/41 It would be madness to throw such a chance away, and it is your duty to take advantage of it. What is there plainer? "Pray, be explicit!" "Well!--this offer." "Yes; but what--there is something to escape from." Wilfrid deliberately replied: "There is no doubt of the Pater's intentions with regard to Mrs.Chump." "He means... ?" "He means to marry her." "And you, Wilfrid ?" "Well, of course, he cuts me out. There--there! forgive me: but what can I do ?" "Do you conspire--Wilfrid, is it possible ?--are you an accomplice in the degradation of our house ?" Cornelia had regained her courage, perforce of wrath. Wilfrid's singular grey eyes shot an odd look at her. |