"You haven't been here for a long time," said Walter wearily.
"Not since you left for the seaside. But I saw Laura at the Baldwins' a week ago. Laura, you are not going?"
Miss Mason, who had changed colour while her lover was speaking, and had not taken her eyes from his face, was by this time half-way to the door.
"I must go," she said rapidly. "I have something to do. I shall see you again."
"When?" asked Calvert, detaining her at the door.
"I shall write and let you know," said Laura, and abruptly withdrawing her hand from his, she escaped.
Arnold returned to his seat near Fane with a puzzled expression.
"What is the matter?" he asked, and there was an apprehensive look in his eyes.
Fane also looked nervous, but that was scarcely to be wondered at, considering the late events.
"I suppose Julia has been going on at her about you," he said fretfully. "I wish you'd marry her right away and take her from Julia. Poor Laura has a bad time."