"I had not made up my mind."
"Don't you think we had better keep to this lane? We shall not have so much wind. Unless you wish for a good blow."
"No. I like the lane."
"Pretty, is it not? How fast the hedges are budding! We don't see that in London. I sometimes think, as years go on, that I should like to have a little cottage in a place like Old Maxham, and run down to it often for change. What do you think?"
"I should think it would be very nice for you."
"I have been looking at one or two. It wouldn't be a bad plan. My main work lies in London, and part of the year I must be there; but it isn't needful all the year round. And I think I get more fond of the country. Are you the same?"
"Very fond."
"Too fond ever to live in London?"
"I don't know," whispered Mildred. She happened to glance up, and met his eyes fixed upon her with so earnest a gaze that she was disconcerted.
"I'm not asking that question for nothing," observed Mr. Willoughby. "I have an object. There was something particular that I wanted to say to you, was there not? I told you that there was."