"Then, if you think so, Lord Lumley, it is clearly your duty to go away, as I reminded you just now."
"Thanks. I wonder why the path of duty is always so disagreeable."
She did not answer him; but, taking Gracie by the hand, turned homeward. He kept his place by her side, heedless of the angry glance which she flashed upon him.
"I want to know why you object to my society so much, Miss Briscoe?" he said presently.
"There are a great many things we want to know in this world which we don't know," she answered. "Where we go to after we die, for instance. We have to be patient, and wait till we find out."
"Then you won't tell me?"
"Why should I? But if you really want to know, the reason is simple enough. I have been used to solitude. I prefer it. If I cannot have it absolutely I can have it comparatively, at any rate."
"With Gracie?"
"Exactly."
"You are complimentary," he laughed.