The bus dropped down Church Street, past the long-backed church with its square tower standing on the grave-strewn mound solemn in the growing dusk.
Ernie placed his roses in Ruth's lap.
Her eyes were shining, her voice soft.
"For me?" she asked in her deep thrilling voice.
For a second he laid his hand on hers.
"Oh, they are beauties!" She buried her face in them. "My Miss Caryll learned me the names of a tidy few o them when we was in the Dower-house afoor she come to Beachbourne," she said.
A motor-car stood at Mr. Trupp's door as the bus reached the Star.
The two talked quietly of the famous surgeon, their heads together.
The chauffeur got down from the Doctor's car and crossed slowly towards the bus.
He was small and wore black gaiters that glittered in the lamp-light like a wet slug.