Page 220 - lady-chatterlys-lover

’Well, Sir,’ said Clifford uneasily, but with strange bright
eyes. ‘There is a hope. There is a hope.’
Winter came across the room and wrung Clifford’s
hand.
’My dear boy, my dear lad, can you believe what it means
to me, to hear that! And to hear you are working in the
hopes of a son: and that you may again employ every man at
Tevershall. Ah, my boy! to keep up the level of the race, and
to have work waiting for any man who cares to work!—’
The old man was really moved.
Next day Connie was arranging tall yellow tulips in a
glass vase.
’Connie,’ said Clifford, ‘did you know there was a rumour
that you are going to supply Wragby with a son and heir?’
Connie felt dim with terror, yet she stood quite still,
touching the flowers.
’No!’ she said. ‘Is it a joke? Or malice?’
He paused before he answered:
’Neither, I hope. I hope it may be a prophecy.’
Connie went on with her flowers.
’I had a letter from Father this morning,’ She said. ‘He
wants to know if I am aware he has accepted Sir Alexander
Cooper’s Invitation for me for July and August, to the Villa
Esmeralda in Venice.’
’July AND August?’ said Clifford.
’Oh, I wouldn’t stay all that time. Are you sure you
wouldn’t come?’
’I won’t travel abroad,’ said Clifford promptly. She took
her flowers to the window.

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