The Black Moth

"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 atWyncham when you were boys--"

"That was different--"

"--when you were boys, and now you are so proud that you refuse to staythree miserable little months with us--"

"No, no, Molly; indeed, 'tis not that!"

"Confess, if Miles were a bachelor, you would not hesitate?" He wassilent, 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!"

"Then why do you refuse?" she triumphed.

"Molly--really, I--" He broke off, laughing. "You little wretch, youleave me nothing to say!"

"Then you will stay, as I ask?"

"You are quite sure--"

"Quite."

"Thank you very much, I will stay. 'Tis monstrous good of you, I vow.When you are tired of me, say so."

"I will," she promised. "Oh, but we shall do famously! How pleased Mileswill be! By the way," she continued, airily, "I asked the MissBeauleighs to honour us on Wednesday, but, unfortunately, they couldnot. Still, perhaps some other d--"

She stopped, a little frightened, for he was standing before her,gripping her shoulders in a very elder-brotherly fashion.

"Listen to me, Molly. I know that you have discovered that I love Diana,and I know that you think to be very kind and to bring us together. ButI tell you that 'twill not be kind at all, only very cruel to us both.If you worry her to come here, I must go. Do you see?"

Molly looked into the stern eyes, and her lip trembled.

"I'm very--sorry!" she faltered.

Jack drew her arm through his once more.

"'Tis nothing to be sorry about; and, indeed, I am very grateful to youfor trying to make me happy. But please do not!"

"No, I promise I will not. But--but do you think you are being quitefair to--"

"Molly, tell me this: do you think you are being quite good to disobeyyour husband?"

The blue eyes were dancing. She smiled doubtfully.

"What do you mean, Jack?"

"Do you tell me that Miles did not expressly forbid you to mention thissubject to me?"

She pulled her hand away, her mouth forming a soundless

"Oh!"

"Well--well--well, how horrid of you!" she cried, and shook her fist athim. "I'm going now!"