"There are various things I should like to discuss with you."
She stole a little glance at him as they walked into the well-remembered path, where now the rose-bushes were barren of bloom and the ground was carpeted with faded leaves.
He was looking wonderfully well, with that bronzed look in his skin, which made his teeth so white, and his eyes so delightful. She noticed that he seemed altogether brisker, and his first speech touched on this.
"Do you know that my trip to America has done me a lot of good? It has shaken me up—hustled me out of my old groove. The Americans are a wonderful nation! There are no rich idle men there, they have given me enough hints to keep me employed for the rest of my existence."
He looked at her with half a smile.
"I am glad," said Caroline.
"Are you? Well say it a little more as if you meant it."
Against herself she laughed.
Then he stretched out his hand.
"You don't bear me any grudge, Caroline?"