"No, thank you . . . I ought to have been in time, but—"
"If you would like some soup it is not too late," the Doctor said.
"Oh, I would rather not, uncle. I ought to have been down,—only I waited to put away some of my things."
The restless gleam appeared again in Theodosia's eyes. Some absorbing thought seemed to hold her in possession: and she talked in an odd broken way, forgetting to finish her own sentences, and plunging into the remarks of others. Dr. Bryant scanned her steadily once or twice: and Lettice was conscious of an unusual atmosphere.
"Where is Keith?" asked Dr. Bryant, when dessert appeared.
"I told him to go to bed, and not to come in to-night. I thought we might be late."
"Ten minutes past the usual time. I do not think Keith would have been the worse."
"It doesn't matter. I gave him some fruit—instead. And I wanted—I had something to say—"
Nobody asked her what it was. The other two simply waited. Susanna was gone; and Dr. Bryant peeled an orange for Lettice. Theodosia's colour deepened, and she played with a bunch of raisins, pulling it slowly to pieces.
"I have something to tell you," she said again, breaking silence.