There seemed to be something ironic in the circumstances. Never had
Mark felt more enthusiastic in his devotion to Carrissima than he had
done when he entered Number 5, Golfney Place, this afternoon. Hitherto
when Bridget had in truth been tempting him, he had succeeded in
standing firm; but to-day, when she had been making a sincere appeal
for his help and sympathy, he had lost his self-control.
But for the fact that Bridget was unwilling, he might not have taken a
very serious view of his own behaviour, especially as it seemed obvious
that Carrissima had appeared on the scene a moment too late to witness
it. Even if she had not dropped her roses on the landing, her
demeanour must have sufficed to lull him into a false sense of
security. Nevertheless, he felt extremely uncomfortable until he left
the room; and indeed he perceived that even his presence at the house
might, after yesterday's protestations, require some explanation.
Hence his suggestion to go to Grandison Square after dinner the same
evening.
He wished devoutly that he had not made a fool of himself, without
considering that he had been guilty of anything worse than an act of
folly.
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