"My dear fellow, you misunderstood me. I know to what you refer, but that never even entered my mind. What I can't realise is that you can possibly entertain any feeling of the kind for Hilary. You! If I ever thought of your possible marriage it was always with some clever, charming woman of the world who would help you with your work, and enter into your plans. Hilary is a mere girl. She has no special ability of any kind--" "No?" "Not the slightest literary gift!" "No." "Absolutely ignorant of your world." "Yes." "You are ten years older than she is." "Yes." "Well--well--well--" "Well, Bertrand, we can't argue about these things. There it is, and I can't account for it. I want Hilary, and I don't want the `clever, charming woman.' She satisfies me, and--" "Have you spoken to her?" "Certainly not! I don't know that I should have ever summoned up courage to speak to you, if you had not taken me by surprise. It would be different if I were now as I was ten years ago, but I feared you might think my health an insuperable objection." "No--no! I can't say that--if you have really set your heart on it. How long has this been going on?" Mr Rayner smiled--a quick, whimsical smile, which was like a flash of sunshine. "Well, you have heard the story of the scarlet slippers? That evening, after you left, I went to look for them behind the curtains, and smuggled them downstairs beneath my coat. I don't know what possessed me to do it, but I did, and I have them still!" Mr Bertrand threw back his head with a burst of laughter. "Oh, after that! If you have got the length of treasuring worsted slippers, there is no more to be said. Rayner, my dear fellow, I suppose I ought to be distressed, but I believe I am--uncommonly pleased and proud! Little Hilary! It would be delightful to feel that you were one of us. And have you any idea as to whether she cares for you in return?" "We have always been great friends. I cannot say more. And do you really give me permission to speak to her? Would you give her to me, in spite of my weakness and infirmity? How can I ever express my thanks?" "If Hilary cares for you, I will put no hindrance in your way; but we must have no more mistakes. I will not allow an engagement until I have satisfied myself as to her feelings. There is one comfort: she knows her own mind uncommonly well, as a rule. You can speak to her when you will..."