The Big Drum - BestLightNovel.com
You’re reading novel The Big Drum Part 67 online at BestLightNovel.com. Please use the follow button to get notification about the latest chapter next time when you visit BestLightNovel.com. Use F11 button to read novel in full-screen(PC only). Drop by anytime you want to read free – fast – latest novel. It’s great if you could leave a comment, share your opinion about the new chapters, new novel with others on the internet. We’ll do our best to bring you the finest, latest novel everyday. Enjoy
OTTOLINE.
Yes?
SIR TIMOTHY.
[_Bracing himself._] A little bird brought the news to me shortly after I left England. [_She lowers her eyes._] I--I congratulate you and Mackworth--I congratulate you from the core of my heart.
OTTOLINE.
[_In a quiet voice._] Thank you, dear Sir Timothy.
SIR TIMOTHY.
May you both be as happy as you deserve to be, and even happier!
PHILIP.
[_Laughing._] Ha, ha, ha!
SIR TIMOTHY.
[_Squeezing her hand._] Good-bye for the present.
OTTOLINE.
[_Smilingly._] Good-bye. [_He pa.s.ses her and joins_ PHILIP. _Unseen by_ OTTOLINE_--who proceeds to loosen her coat at the settee on the right--_ PHILIP _again gives_ SIR TIMOTHY _a vigorous hand-shake._ SIR TIMOTHY _responds to it disconsolately, and is following_ PHILIP _into the vestibule when he hears_ OTTOLINE _call to him._] Sir Tim!
SIR TIMOTHY.
[_Turning._] Hallo!
OTTOLINE.
[_Lightly._] Is your car here?
SIR TIMOTHY.
[_Brightening._] It is.
OTTOLINE.
You may give me a lift to Bond Street, if your business with your lawyers won't keep you long.
SIR TIMOTHY.
[_Emphatically._] It will _not_. [_Beaming._] I told you a lie. I've _no_ business with my lawyers. I came here expressly to improve my acquaintance with the man who's to be your husband, and for no other purpose.
[_They all laugh merrily._
OTTOLINE.
Ha, ha, ha! [_To_ SIR TIMOTHY.] Wait for me in South Square, then. I sha'n't be many minutes.
SIR TIMOTHY.
[_Going into the vestibule._] Ah, I'd wait an eternity!
[PHILIP _and_ SIR TIMOTHY _shake hands once more, and then_ PHILIP _lets_ SIR TIMOTHY _out._
PHILIP.
[_As he shuts the outer door._] By George, he's a splendid chap! [_He comes back into the room, closes the vestibule door, and advances to_ OTTOLINE _and stands before her humbly._] Oh, Ottoline--oh, my dear girl! Shall I go down on my knees to you?
OTTOLINE.
[_In a subdued tone._] If you do, I shall have to kneel to _you_, Phil.
PHILIP.
[_Slowly folding her in his arms._] Ah! Ah! Ah! [_In her ear._] What a night I've spent!
OTTOLINE.
[_Almost inaudibly._] And I!
[_He seats her upon the settee on the right and sits beside her, linking his hand in hers._
PHILIP.
How merciful this is of you! I've just sent you a letter by Robbie Roope, begging you to see me; you've missed him. [_Smiling._] It isn't as eloquent as some I started writing at five o'clock this morning.
Would you like to hear it? [_She nods. He recites his note tenderly._]
"Forgive me. I forgive you. When may I come to you?" That's all.
OTTOLINE.
_Isn't_ that eloquent, Phil?
PHILIP.
[_Smiling again._] It's concise--and as long as you forgive me--[_eyeing her with a shadow of fear_] you're _sure_ you've forgiven me?
OTTOLINE.
Sure.
PHILIP.
[_Persistently._] Without reserve?
