Rupert was in high spirits. Ruby encouraged him to talk, and smiled as she listened.
"Is Mr. Despard going down with you?" she asked.
Rupert nodded.
"Then you won't mind if I don't see you off at Paddington?" She glanced at the watch on her wrist. "I've got an appointment at half-past one, so it would be difficult anyway."
"You don't like Despard, do you?" Rupert said; "yet he's very fond of you."
"Yes, I know he is. I wish he wasn't."
But Rupert only pinched her cheek playfully. He did not understand. Ruby wanted to tell him that Despard had made love to her, to put him on his guard, but she was afraid to speak more clearly. She did not want to make him jealous, and she was afraid lest the two men should quarrel. So no more was said. They bade one another good-bye in the little sitting-room where so many happy hours had been spent—and where such great events had happened.
"I shall not be away more than a week or two," Rupert said as he kissed her. "I suppose you will be in town all the summer?"
"Probably," she answered evasively. "Anyway, I shall be here when you return. Enjoy yourself and don't worry."
She kissed him again and again, clinging tightly to him, unable to tear herself away now that the hour had come.