He added, in a sudden burst of communicativeness:—

 

“Time I went. I’m no good in this sort of life. Haven’t got the manners for it.

I’m a rough fellow, no use in society. Never remember the things one’s expected

to say. Yes, time I went.”

 

“But you’re not going at once,” cried Flora. “Not—not while we’re in all this

trouble. Oh! please. If you go——”

 

She turned away a little.

 

“You want me to stay?” asked Blunt.

 

He spoke deliberately but quite simply.

 

“We all——”

 

“I meant you personally,” said Blunt, with directness.

 

Flora turned slowly back again and met his eyes.

 

“I want you to stay,” she said, “if—if that makes any difference.”

 

“It makes all the difference,” said Blunt.