“Promise! I shall cry if you do not!”

“I cannot! How could I prey upon your hospitality for so⁠—”

“What rubbish, Jack! As if Miles had not spent months and months at Wyncham when you were boys⁠—”

“That was different⁠—”

“⁠—when you were boys, and now you are so proud that you refuse to stay three miserable little months with us⁠—”

“No, no, Molly; indeed, ’tis not that!”

“Confess, if Miles were a bachelor, you would not hesitate?” He was silent, nonplussed.

“You see! And just because he has a wife you are disagreeable and proud. You feel you cannot bear to stay with me⁠—”

“I swear I do not!”