"If you would not mind. Or could you let me sleep on your sofa?"
Jasper had hesitated at first. It was close on three o'clock, and he did not relish the idea of turning out again at this hour; but the suggestion that Maurus should be his room companion for the night was far more unpleasant.
"Come along, then," he said curtly. "It isn't far, I suppose?"
"Five minutes' walk, my dear fellow," Maurus said with obvious relief, "just the other side of the stream. And Anton shall walk back with you afterwards."
"I don't want anybody to chaperone me," Jasper retorted roughly.
He had to go into the salon to fetch his hat. Rosemary was still standing there leaning against the table for support. She had very much wanted to see Maurus at one time, but now it did not seem to matter. Nothing probably would ever matter again. She heard Jasper's voice saying in a whisper. "You've heard what this fool wants. I suppose I shall have to go."
She nodded in response. And then Jasper added with mocking courtesy:
"Good night, Lady Tarkington."
[CHAPTER XLVII]
Anton saw it all, and it was he who broke the news to Rosemary.