"So soon? But of course, a man's packing is not like a woman's! You must let me help you with it. I am a very good packer."
"Thanks."
Then he fixed her with intense, imperative gaze.
"Will you be sorry for my departure?"
"Why should I be?"
She spoke lightly to hide the disappointment at her heart; and yet afterwards wished that she had answered otherwise.
"This is too quiet a life for a rover like you," she went on. "Ruffie is the one who suffers most for your absence. I hope that he may grow strong enough to accompany you in a few years' time."
Justin's brow clouded. He crumbled a bit of toast in his fingers nervously.
"I thought we were friends, Anstice," he said after a minute's silence.
"So we are," she responded quickly.