Read Online Men and Wives by Ivy Compton-Burnett - Free Book Online

Percy, while answering himself to his simple surname. It was as though he acknowledged his position of one employed.
    â€œThank you, Spong, thank you. My wife will be grateful to you for understanding her.”
    Dominic stood as if his balance were precarious, his hands, his handkerchief in one, just swaying, his eyes glimpsing the approach of Godfrey’s carriage without recognition.
    â€œNow, Spong, you will not refuse us what we ask of you?” said Sir Percy, suddenly at hand. “We shall behurt if we do not see you at dinner this evening.”
    â€œThen, Sir Percy, you will see me at dinner. That is to say, if you have a welcome for a broken man?”
    â€œYes, yes, always a welcome for you,” said Sir Percy, shufflling rapidly away.
    Agatha Calkin took the widower’s hand.
    â€œI think you will grant us the privilege of a long friendship, and spend the evening with us, and share our simple evening meal? It will be very simple, if you will take us just as we are. We do not make differences for old friends.”
    â€œMrs. Calkin, if I saw my way to accepting your kindness, I should be grateful to you for not making differences. As things are with me, I will ask your permission to come in to you between the hours of six and seven. It will be all that I can manage, or you bear with.”
    â€œWell, we must be content with what you feel you can give us. I know it needs resolution to come out at all. Believe me, we shall not think little of it.”
    â€œNow, Spong, now,” said Godfrey, “the carriage is here. We shall get you home to us without your having even the effort of knowing it.”
    Dominic turned with a look of appreciation of this understanding, and walked slowly to the carriage, while Agatha stood with an expression somehow taken aback by his having a prior engagement.
    Harriet came into her hall to greet the guest.
    â€œMr. Spong, I hope that some day we shall be able to do something in return for this.”
    â€œLady Haslam,” said Dominic, who had a way of repeating the name of his companion as though in esteem or deference, “I cannot hope ever to see you in my present position. I will only thank you for proving indeed that you are not a fair weather friend.”
    â€œAh, Spong, I hope you will never be in any doubt on that score,” said his host.
    â€œSir Godfrey, I am not in doubt.”
    Dominic as he spoke was rising slowly to his feet, hiseyes on the daughter of the house, whose hand he took with a smile that buried all personal feelings in a chivalry that came as a matter of course.
    â€œYou are well, Miss Griselda?” he said, in a manner implying that in spite of himself his interest was only conscientious.
    â€œYes, thank you; are you?” said Griselda, with the uneasiness of the occasion.
    â€œI thank you, I am well,” said Dominic, his stress on his thanks rather than his mere bodily health.
    â€œI am dubious about this appearance of my three great sons,” said Harriet. “They make us an overwhelming family party. Will you find them trying for you, Mr. Spong?”
    â€œNo,” said Dominic, slowly shaking his head, and offering a hand and a smile to each young man in turn, as he remained in his chair. “No, it is not for me to find young people trying. The question is, Lady Haslam”—he turned with an air of sudden concern—“whether they will find my presence trying?”
    â€œNo, no, it is only you we are to think of,” said Harriet.
    â€œBecause,” said Dominic, leaning forward in gathering consternation, “I could not allow myself to be a damper on youthful spirits.”
    â€œNow, you need not give a thought to that, Spong,” said Godfrey. “You can be at your ease about that side of things. They all want to think of nothing but how they can fit themselves in with your spirit of to-day. Am I not right, my sons?”
    â€œYes, certainly,