'
I sighed, and going up to William gently pulled back his retreating
form by the coat tails. 'You are young, Father William,' I said, 'and
innocent in the wiles of women. You've only been born a few hours as
far as they are concerned--I don't think it's quite safe for you to go
about without your beard just yet. I will tell you nothing but the
truth. I incited you to kiss me.'
'I knew it!' snapped Marion.
'Henry, as you see, has treated me under the First Offenders Act and
forgiven me. And now, William, I will kiss you once again (with
Henry's full consent) for your youth and innocence.' And I suited the
action to the word. 'So will Marion, won't you, dear?'
At this William started as if shot. 'Never, never!' he
exclaimed, staring at Marion with a hunted look, 'it would be
preposterous--infamous.'
The situation was decidedly awkward, especially as Marion, going
suddenly pale, gave a little hysterical sort of cry and ran out of the
room.
The meal that followed was a silent one. Marion did not speak at all,
and when she was not casting furtive glances in William's direction,
kept her gaze fixed on her plate. William was monosyllabic, partly, I
gathered, on account of recent events, and partly because one of his
patent leather boots was obviously causing him anguish. I noticed that
he occasionally lifted his foot (as an animal raises a wounded paw) and
then set it down again with a sort of half moan.
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