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Page 40
his presence and expose Joanna's knowledgeor lack of knowledgeof the gathering and dispatch of war supplies. What he said, however, was, "Are you willing? Really, Joanna?"
She gazed at him steadily, looking only slightly upward because they were much of a height. "I have no objection," she replied, a bit tentatively.
"Your mother did not overawe you?" Geoffrey asked.
Joanna blinked. "I am not afraid of my mother," she said, and Geoffrey stared at her at the tone of voice.
"But you are always so obedient," he protested.
Now she smiled. "Not always. But, Geoffrey, why should I not be obedient? My mother and I think alike on most everything. Do you suggest I should thwart her, against my own common sense and agreement, just for spite? Besides, I do not like to quarrel. There are very few things important enough to quarrel about."
For a moment, he was speechless with surprise. Then he said sharply, "Marriage is not important enough to quarrel about?"
"Be reasonable, Geoffrey," Joanna said patiently. "I must marry someone." Then it was her turn to stare, but she could see nothing except a pale blur where Geoffrey's face was; his features had become indistinguishable. "Oh, I see. It is you who are unwilling."
Her voice was neutral, as if the matter had no great significance for her. In fact, although Joanna's self-control was considerable, she would not have replied so indifferently had not so many violently opposed emotions caught at her simultaneously that she could express none. First came a strong and, to her, incomprehensible shock of disappointment. Her pride was hurt and to salve it, contempt came to her support. It was Geoffrey who was afraid of his father and who wished to place upon her the burden of repudiating the arrangement. That brought anger and, curiously, a sorrowful sense of relief, as if she was about to escape some great, unknown, but desirable, danger.
"You fool! No!" Geoffrey exclaimed violently, seizing her arms.

 
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