"Selfish of me, wasn't it?" he said.
"I don't know," said Hope.
"It was, I assure you," he returned; "sheer selfishness on my part. Are we going to breakfast on the veranda? You will have to do the honours, I know. Mrs. Latimer is still in bed."
Hope sat down thoughtfully. She had never seen Major Baring in this light-hearted mood. She would have enjoyed it, but for the thought of Ronnie.
"Wasn't he disappointed?" she asked presently.
"Horribly," said Baring. "He turned quite green when he heard. I don't think I had better tell you what he said."
He was watching her quietly across the table, and she knew it. After a moment she raised her eyes.
"Yes; tell me what he said, Major Baring!" she said.
"Not yet," said Baring. "I am waiting to hear you tell me that you are even more bitterly disappointed than he was."
"I don't see how I can tell you that," said Hope, turning her attention to the coffee-urn.