Hubert scarcely noticed her words. She was quitting him, and he clung to the last moment of her presence.
‘Shall you go—eventually go to London?’ he asked.
‘I can’t say. My husband has not yet been able to make plans.’
The word irritated him. He half averted his face.
‘Good-bye, Mr. Eldon.’
She did not offer her hand—durst not do so. Hubert bowed without speaking.
When she was near the Manor gates she heard footsteps behind her. She turned and saw her husband. Her cheeks flushed, for she had been walking in deep thought. It seemed to her for an instant as if the subject of her preoccupation could be read upon her face.
‘Where have you been?’ Mutimer asked, indifferently.
‘For a walk. Into the wood.’
He was examining her, for the disquiet of her countenance could not escape his notice.