CHAPTER XVII 227
" Nothing -- nothing , sir . I am not depressed ."
" But I affirm that you are : so much depressed that a few more words would bring tears to your eyes -- indeed , they are there now , shining and swimming ; and a bead has slipped from the lash and fallen on to the flag . If I had time , and was not in mortal dread of some prating prig of a servant passing , I would know what all this means . Well , to-night I excuse you ; but understand that so long as my visitors stay , I expect you to appear in the drawing-room every evening ; it is my wish ; don ' t neglect it . Now go , and send Sophie for Adele . Good-night , my -- " He stopped , bit his lip , and abruptly left me .