The man coughed deferentially. "If your Lordship will follow me——"
But at that moment he heard her calling from beneath the turret wall, "Lord Taborley!"
Jumping to his feet, he hurried to the window and leant out. She was in her riding habit, standing on the terrace above the rose-garden. "I've just got back from my morning ride. I have to visit the kennels. I was wondering whether you would accompany me."
He turned to the footman. "If you'll show me the way out to the terrace, I can find Lady Dawn myself."
She had moved farther away to where the steps led down between the rose-bushes. As he came towards her through the sunlight, she pretended not to notice him, but stood meditatively flicking the dust from the toe of her boot with her crop. Even when he joined her, she did not look up. They descended the steps in silence. When they had turned along a path, where no one could observe them, she raised her eyes. "I was afraid you had left."
He smiled, unconsciously imitating her quietness. "And I, too, was afraid. I was afraid you would not want me."
"Why not?" She stopped to pluck a bud in passing. "I should think any woman would want you."
He looked to see if she were chaffing. "Last night," he explained, "you were present when at least one woman didn't want me. That was why——"
She shot a glance at him with her honest, stone-gray eyes. Her hands started out to touch him,