insist upon it. If you don't--well, you'll have to turn your attention
somewhere else. For I seriously mean it. I won't see you.'

He looked obstinate.

'It's a fad of yours, Eugenia.'

'It's not a fad of mine. It's an opportunity of yours--one that you're
throwing away in the most foolish way, that you might regret all your
life. At any rate, _I'm_ not going to be the cause of giving that poor
darling another moment's annoyance or uneasiness. The idea of the
angelic creature being worried about me! Why, it's preposterous! I'm
sure she heard what I said to you when she came in behind the screen. I
can't bear it, and I won't have it. Now go and see her, and you're not
to come back till you have. I mean it.'

'I don't suppose for a moment--'

'Rubbish! A woman knows. She went home and cried; I know she did, and
she's counting the minutes till you see her again. Now, I've lots to do,
and you're frightfully in the way. Good-bye.' She held out her hand.

He rose.

'You send me away definitely?'

'Definitely, Your liking for me is pure perverseness.'

'It's pure adoration,' said Cecil.