"Then I hope my admiration is not an impertinence."
"Oh, you're too modest, Mr. Vane. You've no confidence in yourself—save when you've need to strike a blow."
"I've no confidence that I'm acceptable to you and—but may I accompany you across the heath? I notice that your usual bodyguard is absent to-night."
"Oh, you've noticed that. May be that bodyguard prevented what you're pleased to call your intrusion."
"It made no difference. Had you been alone I should have taken care that you reached home safely but you would not have known that I was within call. May I?"
He had offered his arm. She accepted it. Now that he was close to her she could see that he had vastly improved. His unhealthy pallor was gone, his eyes had lost their glassiness, his step was firm, his body more elastic.
They set out. For a few yards not a word was said. Lavinia was the first to speak.
"I hope the Hampstead ponds have lost their attraction," said she lightly.
"Indeed yes—thanks to you. My mother says it is due to the Hampstead air, but I know better. Is it true that I'm no longer to drink of the elixir that is restoring me to health and sanity? Are you going to leave Hampstead?"
"Yes, I'm returning to London. Mr. Rich has given me an engagement."