As for Dick himself, he began to feel that he was indeed fortunate. Had he not been able to do a great service to the only one whom he loved, at a sacrifice of himself? He was proving his love to Betsy Linley by marrying Mrs. Abington. Yes, he felt that he was fortunate.
But all these days he failed to call upon Mr. Long. The truth was that it now and again occurred to him that Mr. Long might not understand without more explanation than he was inclined to offer, the position which he had taken up. He shrank from the duty--if he might call it a duty--of making it plain to Mr. Long that he was marrying Mrs. Abington in order that Betsy Linley might get back her brother. But there came a day when he learned that Mr. Long was waiting on him, and he found himself in the presence of that gentleman in the room in which he had received Mrs. Abington a short time before.
"You will pardon my obtruding upon you at this time, Mr. Sheridan," said he; "but I must confess that I thought it strange that we should separate good friends a fortnight ago and then remain apart. Surely our friendship promised better things than this, sir!"
Dick made up his mind to be bold. He smiled, examined the tips of his fingers, and then said:
"I assure you, sir, that I retain all the liveliest sentiments of regard for you. Dear sir, you have been kindness itself to me, and I should be most ungrateful if I were to fail in my duty to you. But the fact is, Mr. Long, that--that---- Ah well, sir, you will understand my seeming neglect when I inform you that I have been successful in engaging the affections of a lady to whom I have been devoted for--for--some time. When I tell you the lady's name, sir, I know I shall be the more easily excused."
"Do not tell me that the lady's name is Mrs. Abington," said Mr. Long gravely.
"I am sorry--I mean I am glad--yes, I am glad, sir, that it is not in my power to obey you in this matter," said Dick, still smiling, but with more than a little self-consciousness. He was beginning to feel uneasy beneath the grave, searching look of his visitor. "Yes, dear sir, we are to be married very shortly, so that you will understand, I am sure, that, just now, I do not count my time my own."