I should
like to.
MANGAN [taken aback]. Should you? That surprises me; for I
thought I noticed this afternoon that you avoided me all you
could. Not for the first time either.
ELLIE. I was very tired and upset. I wasn't used to the ways of
this extraordinary house. Please forgive me.
MANGAN. Oh, that's all right: I don't mind. But Captain Shotover
has been talking to me about you. You and me, you know.
ELLIE [interested]. The captain! What did he say?
MANGAN. Well, he noticed the difference between our ages.
ELLIE. He notices everything.
MANGAN. You don't mind, then?
ELLIE. Of course I know quite well that our engagement--
MANGAN. Oh! you call it an engagement.
ELLIE. Well, isn't it?
MANGAN. Oh, yes, yes: no doubt it is if you hold to it. This is
the first time you've used the word; and I didn't quite know
where we stood: that's all. [He sits down in the wicker chair;
and resigns himself to allow her to lead the conversation]. You
were saying--?
ELLIE. Was I? I forget. Tell me. Do you like this part of the
country? I heard you ask Mr Hushabye at dinner whether there are
any nice houses to let down here.
MANGAN. I like the place. The air suits me. I shouldn't be
surprised if I settled down here.
ELLIE. Nothing would please me better.
Pages:
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134