He tried the power of a smile meant to be at once virile and tender, but May was steadily drawing away her hand; he had not the courage to hold it forcibly.
"We shall find other opportunities of talking about the things that interest us," she said, moving a step back.
"It surprises me that you came this morning!" Dyce exclaimed, with a touch of sarcasm.
"Then," May answered loftily, "you will be spared a second surprise."
She turned and left him. Dyce, after watching for a moment her graceful figure, strode in pursuit. They were near the summer-house.
"You are forgetting," he said, "that you have left the key in the door."
May uttered an exclamation of alarm.
"How foolish of me! Thank you so much!"
"I fear I must give you the trouble of walking back, to let me out."
"Why, of course."