count with and safely to allow for; in consequence
of which they would, for the present, subject to
some better reason, keep their understanding to
themselves. It was not indeed, however, till after
one more observation of Densher's that they felt
the question completely straightened out. " The
only thing of course is that she may any day abso
lutely put it to you."

Kate considered. " Ask me where, on my hon
our, we are? She may, naturally; but I doubt if
in fact she will. While you re away she ll make the
most of it. She ll leave me alone."

"But there ll be my letters."

The girl faced his letters. " Very, very many?"

"Very, very, very many more than ever; and
you know what that is! And then," Densher added,
"there ll be yours."

"Oh, I shan't leave mine on the hall-table. I
shall post them myself."

He looked at her a moment. " Do you think
then I had best address you elsewhere?" After
which, before she could quite answer, he added
with some emphasis: " I'd rather not, you know.
It's straighter."

She might again have just waited. " Of course
it's straighter. Don't be afraid I shan't be straight.
Address me," she continued, " where you like. I
shall be proud enough of its being known you write
to me."

He turned it over for the last clearness. " Even

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v?