The former seemed almost beside himself with joy—the latter, however, although as affectionate as could very well be desired, displayed at times a certain restraint.
“You have come back, my own darling Aveline,” exclaimed Gatliffe, “and will, I think, never leave me again.”
His wife made no reply to this.
“Eh, dearest?” he again murmured. “Do you mean never to leave me again.”
“Well, Tom, that depends upon circumstances you know. I cannot promise—indeed it would be unjust and wrong to do so. The earl, my grandfather, is an old man, and old people are at times whimsical. I fear I shall have to return.”
A dark shade passed over the features of the engineer, who looked hard at the speaker.
“Have to return?” he murmured.
“I suppose so; but don’t let us trouble ourselves about that.”
She placed her arms round the neck of her husband, who for her sake forbore from asking any further questions.
For some days after Aveline’s return nothing occurred to disturb the harmony of her small domestic circle; albeit the engineer could not fail to note the air of refinement which seemed to surround his wife, and pervade all her actions. He grew alarmed.