Page 244 - of-human-bondage-

The fortnight that remained passed quickly, and though
each evening, when they went into the garden after sup-
per, Miss Wilkinson remarked that one day more had gone,
Philip was in too cheerful spirits to let the thought depress
him. One night Miss Wilkinson suggested that it would be
delightful if she could exchange her situation in Berlin for
one in London. Then they could see one another constantly.
Philip said it would be very jolly, but the prospect aroused
no enthusiasm in him; he was looking forward to a wonder-
ful life in London, and he preferred not to be hampered. He
spoke a little too freely of all he meant to do, and allowed
Miss Wilkinson to see that already he was longing to be off.
‘You wouldn’t talk like that if you loved me,’ she cried.
He was taken aback and remained silent.
‘What a fool I’ve been,’ she muttered.
To his surprise he saw that she was crying. He had a ten-
der heart, and hated to see anyone miserable.
‘Oh, I’m awfully sorry. What have I done? Don’t cry.’
‘Oh, Philip, don’t leave me. You don’t know what you
mean to me. I have such a wretched life, and you’ve made
me so happy.’
He kissed her silently. There really was anguish in her
tone, and he was frightened. It had never occurred to him
that she meant what she said quite, quite seriously.
‘I’m awfully sorry. You know I’m frightfully fond of you.
I wish you would come to London.’
‘You know I can’t. Places are almost impossible to get,
and I hate English life.’
Almost unconscious that he was acting a part, moved