Only, as I tell you, Nanda's the one, I naturally say to myself, for me now most to think of; if I don't assume too much, that is, that you don't suffer by my freedom." Mr.Longdon put by with a mere drop of his eyes the question of his suffering: there was so clearly for him an issue more relevant.

"What do you know of my 'plan' ?" "Why, my dear man, haven't I told you that ever since Mertle I've made out your hand?
What on earth for other people can your action look like but an adoption ?" "Of--a--HIM ?" "You're delightful.

Of--a--HER! If it does come to the same thing for you, so much the better.

That at any rate is what we're all taking it for, and Mrs.Brook herself en tete.

She sees--through your generosity--Nanda's life more or less, at the worst, arranged for, and that's just what gives her a good conscience." If Mr.Longdon breathed rather hard it seemed to show at least that he followed.