Neigh was perhaps not quite so placidly nonchalant as in ordinary; still, he was by far the most trying visitor that Ethelberta had lately faced, and she could not get above the stage—­not a very high one for the mistress of a house—­of feeling her personality to be inconveniently in the way of his eyes.  He had somewhat the bearing of a man who was going to do without any fuss what gushing people would call a philanthropic action.

‘I have been intending to write a line to you,’ said Neigh; ’but I felt that I could not be sure of writing my meaning in a way which might please you.  I am not bright at a letter—­never was.  The question I mean is one that I hope you will be disposed to answer favourably, even though I may show the awkwardness of a fellow-person who has never put such a question before.  Will you give me a word of encouragement—­just a hope that I may not be unacceptable as a husband to you?  Your talents are very great; and of course I know that I have nothing at all in that way.  Still people are happy together sometimes in spite of such things.  Will you say “Yes,” and settle it now?’

‘I was not expecting you had come upon such an errand as this,’ said she, looking up a little, but mostly looking down.  ’I cannot say what you wish, Mr. Neigh.

’Perhaps I have been too sudden and presumptuous.  Yes, I know I have been that.  However, directly I saw you I felt that nobody ever came so near my idea of what is desirable in a lady, and it occurred to me that only one obstacle should stand in the way of the natural results, which obstacle would be your refusal.  In common kindness consider.  I daresay I am judged to be a man of inattentive habits—­I know that’s what you think of me; but under your influence I should be very different; so pray do not let your dislike to little matters influence you.’

’I would not indeed.  But believe me there can be no discussion of marriage between us,’ said Ethelberta decisively.

’If that’s the case I may as well say no more.  To burden you with my regrets would be out of place, I suppose,’ said Neigh, looking calmly out of the window.

’Apart from personal feeling, there are considerations which would prevent what you contemplated,’ she murmured.  ’My affairs are too lengthy, intricate, and unpleasant for me to explain to anybody at present.  And that would be a necessary first step.’

’Not at all.  I cannot think that preliminary to be necessary at all.  I would put my lawyer in communication with yours, and we would leave the rest to them:  I believe that is the proper way.  You could say anything in confidence to your family-man; and you could inquire through him anything you might wish to know about my—­about me.  All you would need to say to myself are just the two little words—­“I will,” in the church here at the end of the Crescent.’

‘I am sorry to pain you, Mr. Neigh—­so sorry,’ said Ethelberta.  ’But I cannot say them.’  She was rather distressed that, despite her discouraging words, he still went on with his purpose, as if he imagined what she so distinctly said to be no bar, but rather a stimulant, usual under the circumstances.