Marcia noticed his marked attentions to Lucy, and complained tremblingly and with tears.
'Nonsense!' he said; 'there is nothing in it. It is to divert suspicion. I want the people about to think it is Miss Woodrow I love. They must never know it is you, my queen!' He kissed her cheek. 'And you need have no fear, Marcia. She is devoted to that man Done.'
But at length Ryder announced his intention of leaving. He could put off his departure no longer than a week, he told Marcia, and a few minutes later conveyed the news to Lucy. He was sitting in one of the windows when she came on to the veranda.
'Have they told you I am leaving?' he asked abruptly.
'Leaving!' She was about to take a book from the small table, but did not do so. She turned from him, and stood with face averted, plucking at the vine tendrils. 'At once?' she asked.
'Almost. I fear I have outstayed my welcome.'
'That is hardly fair.'
'True, you have been very, very kind. I can never forget your goodness.'
'You owe me no gratitude. After all, I am only governess here.'
'I owe you more than anyone else—I owe you the happiness Boobyalla could never have given me without you.'