"I did not quite realise it at the time. That's what I mean by saying it was more than I anticipated."
"Ah! of course you wouldn't anticipate it," said Eva. "Love is blind, you know."
Lord Hayes was rather sorry he had begun. He was somewhat in the position of a dog which runs out from its shelter to bite a passer-by, and when it gets into the open, discovers that its intended victim carries a stick.
Eva waited long enough to give him time to reply if he wanted, but finding he said nothing, turned and left the room.
Two days after this, as they were sitting at dinner, Eva asked him what had happened about the ironworks.
"I am glad you reminded me," he said. "I told them that I wished particularly to leave England at once, and asked them to telegraph to me in case I was wanted. It appears that they do not expect any immediate disturbance, so I shall be able to come with you on Thursday—in fact, there will be nothing to detain me."
"You had better stop if you think you are wanted," said Eva. "I can manage perfectly by myself, and Jim Armine will be with me; he wrote to-day. But if they don't want you, of course you'll go with me."
"Armine is coming, then, is he?" asked her husband.
"Yes; you don't object to him, I hope?"