Page:The Other House (London, William Heinemann, 1896), Volume 2.djvu/165

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THE OTHER HOUSE
151

however, that he presently opened his eyes to try. "That you went over with me—that's what you wish me to say?"

"Over to Bounds? Is that what I said? I can't think." But she thought all the same. "Thank you for fixing it. If it's that, stick to it!"

"And to our having left the child with Miss Martle?"

This brought her up a moment. "Don't ask me—simply meet the case as it comes. I give you," she added in a marvellous manner, "a perfectly free hand!"

"You're very liberal," said Dennis, "but I think you simplify too much."

"I can hardly do that if to simplify is to leave it to your honour. It's the beauty of my position that you're believed."

"That, then, gives me a certain confidence in telling you that Miss Martle was the whole time with me."

Rose stared. "Of what time do you speak?"

"The time after you had gone over to Bounds with Effie."

Rose thought again. "Where was she with you?"