She won't. I can: she's come to thwart us; she's
betrayed us--got hold of mother's plans. Oh, goodness, my head!"
He was unwise enough to reply, "You mustn't accuse her
of that. Though she is exasperating, she hasn't come here
to betray us."
"Then why has she come here? Answer me that."
He made no answer. But fortunately his sister was too
much agitated to wait for one. "Bursting in on me--crying
and looking a disgusting sight--and says she has been to see
the Italian. Couldn't even talk properly; pretended she had
changed her opinions. What are her opinions to us? I was
very calm. I said: 'Miss Abbott, I think there is a little
misapprehension in this matter. My mother, Mrs. Herriton--'
Oh, goodness, my head! Of course you've failed--don't
trouble to answer--I know you've failed. Where's the baby,
pray? Of course you haven't got it. Dear sweet Caroline
won't let you. Oh, yes, and we're to go away at once and
trouble the father no more. Those are her commands.
Commands! COMMANDS!" And Harriet also burst into tears.
Philip governed his temper. His sister was annoying,
but quite reasonable in her indignation. Moreover, Miss
Abbott had behaved even worse than she supposed.
"I've not got the baby, Harriet, but at the same time I
haven't exactly failed. I and Signor Carella are to have
another interview this afternoon, at the Caffe Garibaldi.
He is perfectly reasonable and pleasant. Should you be
disposed to come with me, you would find him quite willing
to discuss things.
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