Mildred made no answer.
"You would rather wait for that, perhaps. You would rather not give an answer just yet. I shall leave you free as long as you wish."
They walked in silence for some distance. Mr. Willoughby would not break it. He saw that Mildred was deep in thought, and one or two side-glances showed him that her colour came and went fitfully behind the veil.
Presently she said,—
"May I have just a few hours?"
"Days, if you wish."
"No; a few hours. I think I should like that. I think that will be enough. I think—" in a softer voice—"I am very nearly sure—already."
"I hope I know what that means," he said as softly.
She gave him one glance.
"You don't know what a difference it would make in my life—if it might be. I am alone in the world now, just as you are. Then, we should neither of us be alone any longer."