I opened
that hive because I wanted you to drop the frame, as my brother
did, and get stung, as he was; because I thought that would drive
you away, because I thought then that I didn't want you down here.
I'm ashamed of myself, and I don't know where I'm getting the
nerve to tell you this. I hope you will stay on--on and on and
on.'
Bill was aghast.
'Good Lord! If I'm in the way--'
'You aren't in the way.'
'But you said--'
'But don't you see that it's so different now? I didn't know then
that you were fond of bees. You must stay, if my telling you
hasn't made you feel that you want to catch the next train. You
will save our lives--mine and Nutty's too. Oh, dear, you're
hesitating! You're trying to think up some polite way of getting
out of the place! You mustn't go, Mr Chalmers; you simply must
stay. There aren't any mosquitoes, no jellyfish--nothing! At
least, there are; but what do they matter? You don't mind them. Do
you play golf?'
'Yes.'
'There are links here. You can't go until you've tried them. What
is your handicap?'
'Plus two.'
'So is mine.'
'By Jove! Really?'
Elizabeth looked at him, her eyes dancing.
'Why, we're practically twin souls, Mr Chalmers! Tell me, I know
your game is nearly perfect, but if you have a fault, is it a
tendency to putt too hard?'
'Why, by Jove--yes, it is!'
'I knew it.
Pages:
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122