He helped her into the little skiff in silence; and as the Sea Foam glided over the rippling waters a profound stillness seemed to descend over the darkening landscape.
Presently Lady Merivale peered forward.
"This half-light is so deceptive," she said, in a rather nervous voice; "I nearly steered you into the bank then."
"Can you see?" he asked. "Put down the lines and let me guide the boat."
"No, no," she replied. "I can see well enough."
"Just as you like," he said gently. "I will row quicker. It's time we were in Hampton. For what hour did you order the car?"
"I came by train," she answered.
"I have my motor," said Leroy; "I suppose you would not return in that?"
"Good Heavens, no!" she exclaimed. "Whatever would people think? No, I'll return by train, and take a taxi from Waterloo. I shall even then be in time to dress for Lady Martindale's 'At Home.'"
He did not seek to alter her decision, but sent the boat along with rapid strokes, which broke up the placid water into ripples at each plunge of the oars.