'Why, everybody is sure to meet everyone else sooner or later. How far are you going? Let me carry your parcel.'
'Oh, no, it's not heavy,' she said; but she let him take the brown-paper burden all the same.
'Not heavy!' he returned. 'It's too heavy for you.'
'I'm used to it,' she answered, with a little sigh.
'So much the worse. I'm awfully glad I've met you, my dear girl. Why did you leave us like that? What have you been doing with yourself?'
'Oh, Mr Richard, what does it matter now? And don't stand there holding that parcel, but say good-bye, and let me go home.'
'And where is home?'
'Not a long way off.'
'Well, I'll walk with you. Come along.'