She obstinately refuses, however, to accept this rational view.
Don't suppose that I have been severe with her! All that a man
can do to humour her I have done. I have written to the Countess
(in her assumed name) offering to restore the room to her.
She writes back, positively declining to return to it.
I have accordingly arranged (so as not to have the thing
known in the hotel) to occupy the room for one or two nights,
and to leave Agnes to recover her spirits under my wife's care.
Is there anything more that I can do? Whatever questions Agnes has
asked of me I have answered to the best of my ability; she knows
all that you told me about Francis and the Countess last night.
But try as I may I can't quiet her mind. I have given up the attempt
in despair, and left her in the drawing-room. Go, like a good fellow,
and try what you can do to compose her.'
In those words, Lord Montbarry stated the case to his brother
from the rational point of view. Henry made no remark, he went
straight to the drawing-room.
He found Agnes walking rapidly backwards and forwards,
flushed and excited.
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