“Well,” asked Thornton, “what shall I do? Of course your going is out of the question.” “Naturally,” replied Clytie, glad that that point was settled without any discussion. “Why do you ask me?” “To know what your wishes are as regards myself. Clavering has got some good shooting, I believe, and his wife always keeps a decent house. I don't see what good I should be here; but still, if you would like me to stay on and see you through, I don't mind a bit.” He meant to be magnanimous. Perhaps he expected his wife to be duly grateful; as it was she only replied somewhat wearily: “You must do whatever you think best, Thornton. I should not like to keep you here on my account, while you might be having a good time with your friends.” “Oh! it's all the same to me,” he said. “It's just as you like.” Clytie shook her head despondently. If there could have been any pleasure to either of them in his staying, these questions would have been impossible. It was love and not politeness that should have kept him by her side. “You are very kind to think of it, Thornton,” she said, “and I thank you for asking me; but you couldn't do much if you stayed, you know.” “I think I should be somewhat in the way,” he said good-temperedly. “That sort of thing is not much in my line. However, I did not like to accept without asking you. Are you sure you don't mind?” “Oh, quite sure!” said Clytie suavely. So the point was amicably settled, and Thornton went down to Hampshire to shoot Clavering's pheasants and to be led cynically captive by Clavering's wife. To avoid giving the latter a gratuitous loophole for sarcastic attack, he forbore to hint at the cause that prevented Clytie from accompanying him. He said vaguely that she was with her people. Mrs. Clavering did not press the point in any way, as she reciprocated Clytie's dislike, and was perfectly indifferent as to what became of her. In fact she was greatly relieved when Thornton announced that he was coming alone. Him she could manage as she liked--or thought she could, which comes to the same thing.