She was very happy these spring days. Justin and she rode a good deal together, and in their rides, became closer drawn together. Once or twice, she and the children went out upon the lake in his motor-boat; as the weather improved, they were much out of doors. The budding gorse, the sweet clusters of primroses in the lanes, the blossoming hawthorns, and the young bracken uncurling beneath their feet, all added to the attractions of the lake and the surrounding Fells.
And then one morning at breakfast Justin said suddenly: "My skipper writes that the yacht is ready for a sail. She's been having a fresh coat of paint; but now I need wait no longer."
Anstice looked across the table at him with a queer little smile.
"So you'll be off again! Where are you going this time?"
"I thought I would go to Norway for some fishing. I have not settled anything further. I will wait and see what sort of fishing is going. I may run over to Iceland afterwards."
"Oh, well, you will not be so far away from us this time."
"I haven't decided what I shall do. I could go on to America later."
"And how soon will you go?"
"The day after to-morrow, I think."
Anstice felt startled.