It was just the one thing wanted to finish the romance. He was poor and in trouble, while she was rich beyond the dreams of avarice. Why should she not say as she longed to do:
“You want money. See, here am I who have more than I know what to do with; take some of it and make me happy!”
Instead, she thought it only, and remained silent.
“How hot it is,” she said presently. “It is more than time to leave London. One longs for the green fields and the sea.”
“It is late,” said Jack.
“We are staying in town,” she said, “because my father is a bookworm and can only live near a library—he only exists elsewhere. I cannot find it in my heart to tear him away from the British Museum; but we make the best of it. We are going to have a water-party to-morrow at Richmond.”
“Yes,” said Jack.
She waited for him to ask for an invitation; then, pressing her lip with her fan, said:
“Will you join us?”
Jack hesitated a moment.