She did not wish then to talk seriously; she was trying to forget problems, and she and Marriott were always discussing problems.
"It's absurd," Marriott was saying. "I do this to get the exercise I ought to get by working, by producing something--the exercise is the end, not an incident of the means. You don't see any of these farmers around here playing golf. They're too tired--"
"Gordon," said Elizabeth, "I'm going away."
"Where to?" he asked, looking up suddenly.
"To Europe," she said.
"Europe! Why, when? You must have decided hurriedly."
"Yes, the other night after I came home from Mr. Parrish's--we decided rather quickly--or papa decided for us."
"Well!" Marriott exclaimed again. "That's fine!"
He looked away toward the first tee, where his caddie was waiting for him. He beckoned, and the boy came with his bag.
"Tell Mr. Phillips I'll not play any more--I'll see him later."