There was a silence. Zoe broke it first.
“Edward,” said she, softly.
“Zoe!”
“You need not defy me. I would not humiliate you for all the world. Will it comfort you to know that I have been very unhappy ever since you lowered yourself so? I will try and accept your explanation.”
He clasped his hands with gratitude.
“Edward, will you grant me a favor?”
“Can you ask?”
“It is to have a little more confidence in one who—Now you must obey me implicitly, and perhaps we may both be happier to-morrow night than we are to-night. Directly after breakfast take your hat and walk to Hillstoke. You can call on Miss Gale, if you like, and say something civil.”
“What! go and leave you alone with Lord Uxmoor?”
“Yes.”