"They surprised Denys by suddenly joining him."
"I say," Donald began, without giving him time to speak, "I don't think you need be worried,—I've known Barbara a good long time, and I've never known her to be so absent-minded before."
To say that Denys was startled is keeping strictly within the limits of truth, and at first he was not sure whether he felt angry or amused. But he had grown pretty well accustomed to Donald and Frances by this time, and after a moment of embarrassment accepted the situation. "Thank you," he said, "it is kind of you to take an interest in—me."
"Not at all," Frances said graciously, "we think it's really rather hard lines on you, as, of course we knew all along you wanted to marry Barbara."
"By jove!" muttered Denys a little helplessly.
"Yes, of course," Donald put in. "Anybody sensible would want to do that. If I hadn't been her brother I should have. But though it's rather rough on you, I think two months' absence in America will just be the thing for Barbara."
The young man gazed at his youthful adviser, and was so overpowered that he could think of nothing to say.
"When do you go?" Donald continued.
"Next week. I'm coming back in six weeks—not two months—for my uncle's wedding," said Denys, finding his voice.