The Truthful Liar (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1903 Excerpt: ... "You might have waited," he said quietly. "I was detained by the housekeeper." "How was it we did not meet you?" asked Jean. Jean was standing bare-headed, with a cloak round her shoulders. She had taken Blanche's arm, and was looking into her face. "If I had not been looking for you we should probably have met." Cuthbert said nothing; he began undoing the reins; he looked vexed. Miss Cumnor had behaved foolishly. "Your argument sounds plausible, Blanche," said Jean. "When are you coming back?" asked Blanche. "To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow?" "To-morrow, I hope," said Jean; "I feel as if I had been away a long time." Blanche looked swiftly at her. "I suppose you have not seen the 'Angel in the House'?" and she yawned as she spoke, and looked away again. "What do you mean?" "I mean the master of the house, of course." Jean paused. "I have seen him." Cuthbert was listening; he had not asked her if she had seen Towers. She had not mentioned the name of Towers to him, there had been no reason for mentioning it. Blanche did not ask her another question. She looked wonderingly at her friend, raised her eyebrows, and remarked that it was chilly. "Some day I shall horsewhip him," said Cuthbert suddenly, and he came to the horse's head to arrange the reins. "Amiable creature," said Blanche. "Don't you know that Society is not a preparatory school for saints, but a finishing school for devils. You have heard of the proverb, 'Tout savoir c'est tout pardonner.'" "That proverb does not strike the right note in this case," said Jean. Blanche seemed scarcely to hear; she looked out along the dark road, as if trying to pierce the darkness. She was behaving as if Jean had nothing to tell about herself, as if all three had met by mere chance, and that it meant nothin...