"I don't think that will be very likely," she replied, not knowing what to say.
"I think it is very likely. For myself, I hate surprises. I could not bring myself to fall in upon your track unawares. I shall go abroad, but it will not be till the late autumn, when the summer heats are gone,—and I shall endeavour to find you."
"To find me, Mr. Grey!" There was a quivering in her voice, as she spoke, which she could not prevent, though she would have given worlds to prevent it. "I do not think that will be quite fair."
"It will not be unfair, I think, if I give you notice of my approach. I will not fall upon you and your friends unawares."
"I was not thinking of them. They would be glad to know you, of course."
"And equally, of course! or, rather, much more of course, you will not be glad to see me? That's what you mean?"
"I mean that we had better not meet more than we can help."
"I think differently, Alice,—quite differently. The more we meet the better,—that is what I think. But I will not stop to trouble you now. Good night!" Then he got up and went away, and her father went with him. Mr. Vavasor, as he rose from his chair, declared that he would just walk through a couple of streets; but Alice knew that he was gone to his club.