“Well, as a matter of fact, I made forty-eight not out.”
“Oh, how ripping, how ripping! Come and tell me all about it,” and catching him by the hand she led him to the window-seat, from which, on that miserable afternoon, she had gazed for over an hour down the darkening street. “Come on, tell me everything.”
And though he at first endeavored to assume an attitude of superior indifference, he soon found himself telling the story of the match eagerly, dramatically. Reticence was well enough in the presence of the old and middle-aged--parents, relatives and schoolmasters--for all those who had put behind them the thrill of wakening confidence and were prepared to patronize it in others, from whose scrutiny the young had to protect their emotions with the shield of “it is no matter.” But April’s enthusiasm was fresh, unquestioning and freely given; he could not but respond to it.
She listened to the story with alert, admiring eyes. “And were they awfully pleased with you?” she said when he had finished.
“And did Mr. Marston say anything to you?”
“Rather! Quite a lot. He was more excited than anyone.”
“Oh, yes, but I didn’t mean the cricket. Did he say anything about the business?”
“Well, I’m not quite certain what, but I think he’s going to let me have a shot at some sort of foreign representative affair.”
“But, how splendid!” She felt that she shared, in a measure, in his success. It was in her that he had confided his hopes; it was to her that he had brought the news of his good fortune. Her face was flushed and eager, its expression softened by her faith in him. And Roland who, up till then, had regarded her as little more than a friend, her charm as a delicate, elusive fragrance, was unprepared for this simple joy in his achievement. The surprise placed in his mouth ardent, unconsidered words.
“But I shouldn’t have been able to do anything without you,” he said.
“What do you mean?” she asked, feeling herself grow nervous, taut, expectant.
“You encouraged me when I was depressed,” he said. “You believed in me. You told me that things would come right. And because of your belief they have come right. If it hadn’t been for you I shouldn’t have worried; I should have resigned myself to the bank. As likely as not I shouldn’t have gone down to the Marstons’ at all. It’s all you.”