His eyes never left his plate as he spoke. He felt, much as he longed to meet Sidney's eyes as he hurled this bolt upon her, that it would be more honourable on his part not to do so.
Sidney's tone was easy and assured.
"Yes; Archie Hughes is an old friend. I thought he was still in India."
"His wife was ordered home by doctors, so he has come with her to spend his long leave."
"You never told me that you knew his wife," said Monica, eyeing him anxiously.
"Did I not? I used to be often at her father's house in town."
Sidney was slightly distrait for the rest of the meal. But when it was over, Monica asked her to show Randolph some new farm buildings which had been erected since he had been there.
"They were a good investment," said Monica quietly, "though I shan't have the use of them much longer. I am putting up the place for sale shortly."
Randolph walked out into the sweet evening air, feeling that his opportunity was close at hand. What were farm buildings to him when Sidney was by his side? How hungrily he had longed for the sound of her voice, the sight of her smile, in those distant lands which had held him!
Sidney trod lightly by his side.