'Mr. Egremont, may I come and help to put up a few to-morrow morning?'
Again her tongue uttered words in defiance of herself. She could not believe it when the words were spoken.
Egremont perused the floor. The slight frown had returned.
'But perhaps I shall be in your way,' she continued, hastily. 'I didn't think. I am troublesome.'
'Indeed you are not at all, Miss Trent. I should be very glad. If—if you are sure you can spare the time?'
'I can quite well. I do a little work for Mrs. Grail, but that doesn't take anything like all the morning.'
A word was on his tongue. He was about to say that perhaps it would be as well, after all, to tell Grail, and for Thyrza to ask the latter's permission. He even began to speak, but hesitated, ceased.
'Shall I come at this same time?' Thyrza inquired, her voice almost failing her.
'I shall be here at about eleven; certainly by half-past.'
'Then I will come. I shall be so glad to help.'