He at once relapses into silence--an affable
silence, not the strained kind when the offended party takes deep
respirations through the nose--and I am allowed to think without
interruption. It is one of the reasons why I have never minded Henry
having him about the place at any time.
'Then if you and William haven't quarrelled, what is wrong?' I asked of
the drooping Marion.
'It's--it's about our wedding, Netta. He wants to know if I'll put it
off for another six months.'
I started. 'Why should he wish to do that now, with all arrangements
made?'
'I don't know. There isn't the slightest reason for delay. It isn't a
case of money, for you know he has a good private income, and I have my
own little income as well. Then, we are both old enough to know our
own minds--yet he says he thinks we ought to have more time for
reflection. What can it mean, Netta?'
I was silent for a moment, not liking to voice my uneasy thoughts.
'It isn't that I mind the extra six months' delay,' she went on, 'but I
don't like the idea of postponing the wedding. There is something
unlucky about it.'
'You're right--it is unlucky,' said the voice of Elizabeth, coming
unexpectedly into the discussion.
'Elizabeth,' I said sternly, 'do you mean to tell me you were
listening?'
She drew herself up with dignity. 'Me listenin'! I've too much to do
to go poking myself into other people's bizness.
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