She almost starts, so deep is her reverie, as Rylton lays a hand upon her shoulder.
"Come," says he, smiling.
"Why——" begins she, surprised. She sees he has her travelling-bag in his hand, and that he wants to pass her to open the window.
"This is our station," says he.
"This?"
"Yes. I think I told you the new place I had bought was in this county."
"Yes. I know, but so near——"
Rylton has opened the door, and is calling to a porter. Evan comes up.
"Welcome home, my lady," says he, touching his cap to Tita, who gives him a little nod in return, whilst feeling that her heart is breaking.
"Home!" She feels as if she hates poor Evans, and yet of course he had meant nothing. No doubt he thought she was coming back to Oakdean. Dear, dear Oakdean, now lost to her for ever!