“No, not yet. And I shan’t be there when they do know, Ces. I’m going to the Lucians. They won’t want me at Squires, with him and Diana there—besides, I couldn’t.”
Cecil was silent.
Presently he put his hand into hers, as he had so often done as a little boy, and they sat there, without speaking, until the junction was reached.
“Mummie, I’m so glad you’re going to the Lucians. May I ask you something?”
“Anything.”
“Has Dr. Lucian asked you to marry him?”
“Yes, heaps of times,” said Rose, without elation as without embarrassment.
“Couldn’t you?”
“Would you like me to?” she asked, surprised.
“Yes, I think I should, especially if it would make you happier. I wouldn’t feel then—I wouldn’t feel so much as if it all depended on a rotter like me—all your happiness.”