As they came towards the party in general, they found it already on the move. Ill news flies apace, and some little tidings, some faint echoes in the air, had reached the others.
At all events, Mrs. Greatorex, horrified, was sending in all directions for Agatha. Dr. Darkham was her messenger. These sudden scandals were so disgraceful. Would he go and look for Agatha, he who—-
There was a last moment, however, when Agatha found herself alone with Dillwyn. The short, scrubby bushes were thick in this blessed spot—Dillwyn and Agatha were virtually alone.
"That is all over, I fancy," said Dillwyn, alluding to Elfrida's engagement with Ambert.
"Yes, I think so. I am sure of it."
"The best thing that could happen to her. Love alone makes marriage sacred."
"And as for Ambert—he would not have made her happy."
"I don't believe he could make anybody happy. But don't let us waste our time over him. We have only a moment—When can I see you again?"
"To-morrow. By the river?"
"Yes. At four. Agatha, I hope you know how I feel about all this secrecy—how I detest it. It is always on my mind that our meetings will be discovered, and that on you the annoyance will fall. Every evening I picture you to myself sitting dolefully"— he tried to smile—"whilst Mrs. Greatorex scolds you. I would to Heaven, my darling, I were a rich man—though I never cared for money till I saw you."