This was hitting straight out and no mistake. But Helston Varne did not for a moment hesitate.
“Yes. It was,” he said.
“Ah!”
For a moment neither spoke. She was still looking him straight in the face, but what she read there was hardly disquieting.
“And—what conclusion have you arrived at?” she went on, slowly.
“The conclusion that I might just as well have remained away—but for one thing.”
The relief which had sprung to her animated, speaking face, died down suddenly.
“And—that one thing?”
“That one thing? Why, then I should never have met you; should never have known such a delightful time as I have enjoyed this morning for instance.”
That killed the tragic element in the atmosphere. Melian broke into a peal of clear, wholehearted laughter, not more than a third due to reaction, for she had a very complete sense of humour. Her companion was smiling too, perfectly at ease and natural, as though he had stated a mere obvious fact. There was no consciousness of having paid a pointed compliment about his manner, nor any manifestation of a desire to carry it further.