Tarling obediently sunk down by her side.
"I read in the newspapers this morning, Mr. Tarling," she said, "that you have sold Lyne's Store."
"That's true," said Tarling. "There are very many reasons why I do not want to go into the business, or stay in London."
She did not look at him, but played with the blades of grass she had plucked.
"Are you going abroad?" she asked.
"We are," said Tarling.
"We?" she looked at him in surprise. "Who are we?"
"I am referring to myself and a girl to whom I made violent love at Hertford," said Tarling, and she dropped her eyes.
"I think you were sorry for me," she said, "and you were rather led into your wild declaration of—of——"
"Love?" suggested Tarling.