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The Reason Why by Elinor Glyn
page 291 of 391 (74%)
which was only forty miles across the border into Suffolk. They would
reach it inside of two hours easily, and arrive at the first triumphal
arch of the park before one; and so go on through the shouting
villagers to the house, where in the great banqueting hall, which still
remained, a relic of Henry IV's time, joined on to the Norman keep, they
would have to assist at a great luncheon to the principal tenants, while
the lesser fry feasted in a huge tent in the outer courtyard.

Here, endless speeches would have to be made and listened to, and joy
simulated, and a general air of hilarity kept up; and the old
housekeeper would have prepared the large rooms in the Adam wing for
their reception; and they would not be free to separate, until late at
night, for there would be the servants' and employés' ball, after a
tête-à-tête dinner in state, where their every action would be watched
and commented upon by many curious eyes. Yes, it was a terrible ordeal
to go through, under the circumstances; and no wonder he wanted the
cold, frosty evening air to brace him up!

At the end of his troubled thoughts he had come to the conclusion that
there was only one thing to be done--he must speak to her to-night, tell
her what to expect, and ask her to play her part. "She is fortunately
game, even if cold as stone," he said to himself, "and if I appeal to
her pride, she will help me out." So he came back into the house, and
went straight up to her room. He had been through too much suffering and
anguish of heart, all night and all day, to be fearful of temptation. He
felt numb, as he knocked at the door and an indifferent voice called
out, "Come in!"

He opened it a few inches and said: "It is I--Tristram--I have something
I must say to you--May I come in?--or would you prefer to come down to
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