The hush between them, for that matter, became a conscious public measure of the young man's honesty.

He evidently at last felt it as such, and there would have been for an observer of his handsome controlled face a study of some sharp things.

"I judge that you ask me for such an utterance," he finally said, "as very few persons at any time have the right to expect of a man.

Think of the people--and very decent ones--to whom on so many a question one must only reply that it's none of their business." "I see you know what I mean," said Mr.Longdon.
"Then you know also the distinguished exception I make of you.

There isn't another man with whom I'd talk of it." "And even to me you don't! But I'm none the less obliged to you," Mr.
Longdon added.
"It isn't only the gravity," his companion went on; "it's the ridicule that inevitably attaches--!" The manner in which Mr.Longdon indicated the empty room was in itself an interruption.