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nd you will come back--?
SIR GEOFFREY. In a year--or two--or three--
LADY TORMINSTER. We shall hear from you?
SIR GEOFFREY. [_With an effort of lightness._] Certainly. And I will send you chests of tea--best family Souchong--and jars of ginger. Also little boxes that fit into each other. I am afraid that is all I know at present of Chinese manufactures.
LADY TORMINSTER. [_Musing._] You will be away so long?
SIR GEOFFREY. You told me to do something. I shall learn Chinese. I believe there are five hundred letters in the alphabet.
LADY TORMINSTER. As many as that!
SIR GEOFFREY. It is possible that I exaggerate. Well, Lady Torminster, I think I'll say good-night.
[_He offers his hand, which she ignores. She smiles, and motions him back to his seat._
LADY TORMINSTER. The sun is still shining in the antipodes, my dear Geoffrey, and you are still Jack's old friend, talking to Jack's wife. Sit down, and don't be foolish. You'll be away for years; it's possible we may never meet again. It's possible, too, that next time we do meet you may be married.
SIR GEOFFREY. [_With iron control._] Who knows?
LADY TORMINSTER. Exactly--who knows? So there's no reason why we shouldn't look each other squarely in the face for once, and speak out what's in us.
SIR GEOFFREY. [_Sorrowfully._] Oh, Lady Torminster, what is there to say?
LADY TORMINSTER. [_Bending forward a little and smiling._] How you resent my having told _you!_
SIR GEOFFREY. [_With a guilty start._] Resent! I!
LADY TORMINSTER. You do, and you know it. In your heart you are saying, "All was going so well--she has spoiled it! If she does love me she shouldn't have said it--Jack's wife!"
SIR GEOFFREY. [_Sturdily._] Well--Jack's wife. Yes!
LADY TORMINSTER. Geoffrey, Jack bores me.
SIR GEOFFREY. [_Aghast._] Lady Torminster!
LADY TORMINSTER. [_Clapping her hands in glee._] There! I've said it! Oh, it's such a relief! I never have before,