awfully." He gave a nervous gulp. "Not content with 'permission',
which I did give--that is to say, I said, 'I don't mind'--well,
not content with that, he wanted to know whether I wasn't off my
head with joy. He practically put it like this: Wasn't it a
splendid thing for Lucy and for Windy Corner generally if he
married her? And he would have an answer--he said it would
strengthen his hand."

"I hope you gave a careful answer, dear."

"I answered 'No'" said the boy, grinding his teeth. "There! Fly
into a stew! I can't help it--had to say it. I had to say no. He
ought never to have asked me."

"Ridiculous child!" cried his mother. "You think you're so holy
and truthful, but really it's only abominable conceit. Do you
suppose that a man like Cecil would take the slightest notice of
anything you say? I hope he boxed your ears. How dare you say
no?"

"Oh, do keep quiet, mother! I had to say no when I couldn't say
yes. I tried to laugh as if I didn't mean what I said, and, as
Cecil laughed too, and went away, it may be all right. But I feel
my foot's in it. Oh, do keep quiet, though, and let a man do some
work."

"No," said Mrs. Honeychurch, with the air of one who has
considered the subject, "I shall not keep quiet. You know all
that has passed between them in Rome; you know why he is down
here, and yet you deliberately insult him, and try to turn him