But if it was ever to reach a climax that climax must come when Ellen was away . And Ellen was so seldom away , especially in winter . She found her own fireside the pleasantest place in the world , she vowed . Gadding had no attraction for her . She was fond of company but she wanted it at home . Mr. Meredith had almost been driven to the conclusion that he must write to Rosemary what he wanted to say , when Ellen casually announced one evening that she was going to a silver wedding next Saturday night . She had been bridesmaid when the principals were married . Only old guests were invited , so Rosemary was not included . Mr. Meredith pricked up his ears a trifle and a gleam flashed into his dreamy dark eyes . Both Ellen and Rosemary saw it ; and both Ellen and Rosemary felt , with a tingling shock , that Mr. Meredith would certainly come up the hill next Saturday night . `` Might as well have it over with , St. George , '' Ellen sternly told the black cat , after Mr. Meredith had gone home and Rosemary had silently gone upstairs . `` He means to ask her , St. George -- I 'm perfectly sure of that . So he might as well have his chance to do it and find out he ca n't get her , George . She 'd rather like to take him , Saint . I know that -- but she promised , and she 's got to keep her promise . I 'm rather sorry in some ways , St. George . I do n't know of a man I 'd sooner have for a brother-in-law if a brother-in-law was convenient . I have n't a thing against him , Saint -- not a thing except that he wo n't see and ca n't be made to see that the Kaiser is a menace to the peace of Europe . That 's HIS blind spot . But he 's good company and I like him .
A woman can say anything she likes to a XXXXX with a mouth like John Meredith 's and be sure of not being misunderstood .
Mr. chance climax fireside gleam hill man promise shock winter