“Rather I would never speak again. Go, and all blessings go with you! You have helped me to my calmer self. But, Isabel——”
“Bernard?”
“Are there often these friends about you?” he asked sadly.
“No, not often. I have told you how often I am by myself. And now, I must! Stay; do not leave the room when I do. Sit at the desk there and write me a letter. The drawer below is open; close the envelope, and put it in there; I will look for it. And you have not even breakfasted?”
“Oh, I will go to the ‘Coach and Horses.’ But no; I’m afraid of meeting Mr. Vissian somewhere. I will leave the park by the opposite road, and find some inn. Now I am well again. Good-bye, sweet!”
“Only a month, and I shall be in London!” She hurried away. The ladies were waiting for her. The servant stood by the door with wraps.
“Isn’t it too bad to keep you all like this? I give you leave to scold me all the way. Why didn’t you get in? Lily, you know what you were saying about unpunctual people; take me for your text next time.”
They passed out before her, and she said to the servant:
“Mr. Kingcote is writing in the library. Take him at once some biscuits and wine.”
They drove off, and Isabel was gay as the sunshine....