"It will not be so hard for her in that case," said Lady Esmondet.
"I am selfish enough to regret we have anyone to dinner, if I am obliged to leave you on to-morrow."
"I was just thinking so," said Lady Esmondet, "our evenings together have been perfect, but alas for changes; and Vaura, dear, the landau is at the door, you know we arranged for a drive."
"Yes, I remember, but let it wait."
"We may not have another opportunity, Lionel, for private converse; you will write; and Vaura and I shall (D.V.) be at London on the 4th or 5th; and shall meet you again at Haughton Hall."
"Yes, I shall meet you there," he answered thoughtfully; "my plans are not yet matured, but I want you to be certain to telegraph me of your return; I shall meet you at London."
"Fate is cruel to send you away, and at Christmas, but I am forgetting your poor uncle," said Vaura kindly.
"I shall telegraph of our return without fail, Lionel; and now about yours to your cousin, had you not best run away and attend to it, we shall only take a short drive, and be here as soon as you."
"Come with us," said Vaura, "it will save time."
"So it will, and to kill the time I feel that is left to me with you, would be a Sacrilege."