“I wonder,” he said, “if the world really knows how young you are.”
“Don’t,” she interrupted, with a shudder, “I have outlived my years.”
A motor omnibus and a small victoria came round from the stables. The party from Thorpe began slowly to assemble upon the steps.
“I am going in the victoria—alone,” she said, resting her fingers upon his arm. “Don’t you envy me?”
“I envy the vacant place,” he answered sadly. “Isn’t this desire for solitude somewhat of a new departure, though?”
“Perhaps,” she admitted. “I am rather looking forward to my drive. To-night, as we came here, the whole country seemed like a great garden of perfumes and beautiful places. That is why I had them telephone for a carriage. There are times when I hate motoring!”
He broke off a cluster of pink roses and placed them in her hands.
“If your thoughts must needs fill the empty seat,” he whispered, as he bent over her for his final adieux, “remember my claims, I beg. Perhaps my thoughts might even meet yours!”
She laughed under her breath, but the light in his eyes was unanswered.
“Perhaps!” she answered. “It is a night for thoughts and dreams, this. Even I may drift into sentiment. Good night! Such a charming evening.”