"Of course I understand that," May replied.
He enlarged upon the topic, revealing his hopes.
"But I rather thought," said May, "that Miss Bride was just the sort of companion you needed. She is so intelligent and—"
"Very! But do you think she has the qualities which would enable her to take a high position in society? There's no unkindness in touching upon that. Admirable women may fall short of these particular excellencies. A man chooses his wife according to the faith he has in his future."
"I understand; I quite understand," said May, with a large air. "No; it has to be confessed that Miss Bride—I wonder my aunt didn't think of that."
They turned aside to discuss Lady Ogram, and did so in such detail, with so much mutual satisfaction, that time slipped on insensibly, and, ere they had thought of parting, the train began to slacken down for the junction where Miss Tomalin would have to change carriages.
"How annoying that I shan't be able to see you again!" cried Lashmar.
"But shan't you be coming to Rivenoak?"
"Not for some time, very likely. And when I do—" The train stopped. Dyce helped his companion to alight, and moved along to seek for a place for her in the section which went to Hollingford. Suddenly an alarmed voice from one of the carriage-doors shouted "Guard! Station-master!" People turned in that direction; porters ran; evidently, something serious had happened.
"What's the matter?" asked May, at her companion's side.