With a long look at Mary, she said:
"Good-bye!"
"Good-bye!" was answered in a low tone.
Both felt that it was for ever.
Mary drove on. As soon as she reached home, she went straight to the private drawing-room; she had something to say to her father. Before she opened the door, she heard piano-playing, and understood that Jörgen Thiis was there. But this did not stop her. With her hat and spring cloak still on, she unexpectedly appeared in the room. Jörgen Thiis jumped up from the piano and came towards her, his eyes filling with admiration; her face was all aglow from the tumult within. But something proud and repellent in its sparkle caused him to give up his intention of closer approach.
Then his eyes assumed the gloating, greedy expression which Mary so detested. With a slight bow she passed him and went up to her father, who was sitting as usual in the big chair with a book upon his knee.
"Father, what do you say to our going home now?"
Every face brightened. Mrs. Dawes exclaimed: "Jörgen Thiis has just been asking when we intend to go; he wants to travel with us."
Mary did not turn towards Jörgen but continued: "I think the steamer sails from Havre to-morrow?"
"It does," answered her father; "but we can't possibly be ready by that time?"