Do you really think of making any change ? "
I leave it entirely to you. You remember our last talk before
we came away. You have simply to ask yourself what your needs
are. Be honest with yourself and with me. Don't sacrifice life to
a whim, one way or the other. You have had plenty of time to
think ; you have known several ways of life ; you're old enough to
understand yourself. Just make up your mind, and act."

" But it's ridiculous, Harvey, to speak as if I had only myself to
consider."

" I don't want you to do so. But supposing that were your
position, now, after all your experience, where would you choose
to live ? "

He constrained her to answer, and at length she spoke, with a
girlish diffidence which seemed to him very charming.
" I like the concerts — and I like to be near my musical friends



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ft



THE WHIRLPOOL 173

and I don't think it's at all necessary to give up one's rational way
of living just because one is in London instead of far away."

" Precisely. That means we ought to come back."

" Not if you do it unwillingly."

** I'll be frank in my turn. For Hughie's sake, I don't think we
ought to live in the town ; but it's easy enough to find healthy
places just outside."

" I shouldn't wish to be actually in the town/' said Alma, her
voice tremulous with pleasure. " You know where the Leaches
arc living ? "

'*Yes. Or just a little farther away, on the higher ground.
