Moreover, her sister Janet had been strong in expressing her disapproval of Philip, her dislike of his formal ways, his wooden manner, his want of that ease and polish which she had come in France to exact of every man as essential. Salome had combated the ridicule, the detraction, with which her sister spoke of Philip, and had become his champion in her little family circle.
’I think—I really think,’ said Salome, ’that you must give me time to consider what you have said.’ She moved to leave the room.
’No,’ answered he,’ you shall not go. I must have my answer in a Yes or a No, at once. Come, give me your hand.’
She hesitated. It was a little wanting in consideration for her, thus to press for an immediate answer. He had promised to show her the forbearance due to a wife, he was hardly showing her that due to a girl at the most critical moment of her life. She stood steeped in thought, and alternate flushes of colour and pauses of pallor showed the changes of feeling in her heart.
Philip so far respected her hesitation that he kept silence, but he was not inclined to suffer the hesitation to continue long.
Love, Philip had never felt, nor had Salome; but Philip was conscious of pleasure in the society of the girl, of feeling an interest in her such as he entertained for no one else. He respected and admired her. He was aware that she exerted over him a softening, humanizing influence, such as was exercised over him by no one else.
Presently, doubtfully, as if she were putting forth her fingers to touch what might scorch her, Salome extended her right hand.
’And,’ said he, ’I have your assurance that you never go back from your word. Now,’ there recurred his mind at that moment his aunt’s sneer about his lack of wit in not offering Salome his arm; ’and now,’ he said, ’let us go together and tell my aunt that you take all my share, along with me. Let me offer you—my arm.’
Philip Pennycomequick entered the hall, with Salome on his arm, but she instantly disengaged her hand as she saw Mrs. Sidebottom, and was conscious that there was something grotesque in her appearance hooked on to Philip.
As to Philip, he had been so long exposed to the petrifying drip of legal routine, unrelieved by any softening influences, that he was rapidly approaching fossilization.