Page 548 - of-human-bondage-

her without more ado.
‘When d’you expect to be confined?’ asked Philip.
‘At the beginning of March.’
‘Three months.’
It was necessary to discuss plans. Mildred declared she
would not remain in the rooms at Highbury, and Philip
thought it more convenient too that she should be nearer
to him. He promised to look for something next day. She
suggested the Vauxhall Bridge Road as a likely neighbour-
hood.
‘And it would be near for afterwards,’ she said.
‘What do you mean?’
‘Well, I should only be able to stay there about two months
or a little more, and then I should have to go into a house. I
know a very respectable place, where they have a most su-
perior class of people, and they take you for four guineas a
week and no extras. Of course the doctor’s extra, but that’s
all. A friend of mine went there, and the lady who keeps it is
a thorough lady. I mean to tell her that my husband’s an of-
ficer in India and I’ve come to London for my baby, because
it’s better for my health.’
It seemed extraordinary to Philip to hear her talking in
this way. With her delicate little features and her pale face
she looked cold and maidenly. When he thought of the pas-
sions that burnt within her, so unexpected, his heart was
strangely troubled. His pulse beat quickly.