Page 498 - sons-and-lovers

I do as I like?’
‘You’ve not seen Mrs. Morel before?’ Miriam was saying
to Clara.
‘No; but she’s so nice!’
‘Yes,’ said Miriam, dropping her head; ‘in some ways
she’s very fine.’
‘I should think so.’
‘Had Paul told you much about her?’
‘He had talked a good deal.’
‘Ha!’
There was silence until he returned with the book.
‘When will you want it back?’ Miriam asked.
‘When you like,’ he answered.
Clara turned to go indoors, whilst he accompanied Mir-
iam to the gate.
‘When will you come up to Willey Farm?’ the latter
asked.
‘I couldn’t say,’ replied Clara.
‘Mother asked me to say she’d be pleased to see you any
time, if you cared to come.’
‘Thank you; I should like to, but I can’t say when.’
‘Oh, very well!’ exclaimed Miriam rather bitterly, turn-
ing away.
She went down the path with her mouth to the flowers
he had given her.
‘You’re sure you won’t come in?’ he said.
‘No, thanks.’
‘We are going to chapel.’
‘Ah, I shall see you, then!’ Miriam was very bitter.