"Shall you know by that time ?" "I'm afraid I can't promise--if you must regard my coming as a pledge." Mr.Longdon thought on; then raising his eyes: "I don't quite see why you won't suffer me to tell you--!" "The detail of your intention?
I do then.

You've said quite enough.

If my visit must commit me," Vanderbank pursued, "I'm afraid I can't come." Mr.Longdon, who had passed into the corridor, gave a dry sad little laugh.

"Come then--as the ladies say--'as you are'!" On which, rather softly closing the door, the young man remained alone in the great emptily lighted billiard-room..