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can’t possibly come. Isn’t there somebody else you can get?’
‘What are you doing tomorrow then?’
‘I wish you wouldn’t cross-examine me.’
‘Don’t you want to tell me?’
‘I don’t in the least mind telling you, but it’s rather an-
noying to be forced to account for all one’s movements.’
Norah suddenly changed. With an effort of self-control
she got the better of her temper, and going up to him took
his hands.
‘Don’t disappoint me tomorrow, Philip, I’ve been looking
forward so much to spending the day with you. The Gor-
dons want to see you, and we’ll have such a jolly time.’
‘I’d love to if I could.’
‘I’m not very exacting, am I? I don’t often ask you to do
anything that’s a bother. Won’t you get out of your horrid
engagement—just this once?’
‘I’m awfully sorry, I don’t see how I can,’ he replied sul-
lenly.
‘Tell me what it is,’ she said coaxingly.
He had had time to invent something. ‘Griffiths’ two sis-
ters are up for the week-end and we’re taking them out.’
‘Is that all?’ she said joyfully. ‘Griffiths can so easily get
another man.’
He wished he had thought of something more urgent
than that. It was a clumsy lie.
‘No, I’m awfully sorry, I can’t—I’ve promised and I mean
to keep my promise.’
‘But you promised me too. Surely I come first.’
‘I wish you wouldn’t persist,’ he said.