"You say that as if you were scandalised, but if you try Mr.Van with it I don't think he'll be.

And you won't persuade me," she went on finely, "that you haven't yourself thought of it." She kept her eyes on him, and the effect of them, soon enough visible in his face, was such as presently to make her exult at her felicity.

"You're of a limpidity, dear man--you've only to be said 'bo!' to and you confess.

Consciously or unconsciously--the former, really, I'm inclined to think--you've wanted him for her." She paused an instant to enjoy her triumph, after which she continued: "And you've wanted her for him.

I make you out, you'll say--for I see you coming--one of those horrible benevolent busy-bodies who are the worst of the class, but you've only to think a little--if I may go so far--to see that no 'making' at all is required.