I can tell you
one thing. She would rather go shopping with Isabel to-morrow than
picnicking in the wilderness with you, and if you're wise, you'll give in
and let her go. You'll run a very grave risk of losing her altogether
if you ask too much."
"What do you mean?" Eustace's voice was short and stern; the question was
like a sword thrust.
Again Scott hesitated. Then very steadily he made reply. "I mean
that--with or without reason, you know best--she is beginning not to
trust you. It is more than mere shyness with her. She is genuinely
frightened."
His words went into silence, and in the silence he took out his
handkerchief and wiped his forehead. It had been a more difficult
interview for him than Eustace would ever realize. His powers of
endurance were considerable, but he had an almost desperate desire now to
escape.
But some instinct kept him where he was. To fail at the last moment for
lack of perseverance would have been utterly uncharacteristic of him. It
was his custom to stand his ground to the last, whatever the cost.
And so he forced himself to wait while his brother contemplated the
unpleasant truth that he had imparted. He knew that it was not in his
nature to spend long over the process, but he was still by no means sure
of the final result.
Eustace spoke at length very suddenly. "See here, Stumpy!" he said.
"There may be something in what you say, and there may not.
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