But his quick reply allayed the storm at once.
“Oh, no, thank you, Aunt,” he said, with a side glance at Garstang. “I must be back to look after business in the morning.”
“But it’s so dark, my dear.”
“Bah! the dark won’t hurt him, Maria, and I’ve told them to bring the dog-cart round at eight.”
“Oh, that’s very good of you, sir,” said the young man; “but I had made up my mind to walk.”
“I told you I should ride over with you, didn’t I?” growled Claud.
“Yes, but—”
“I know. There, hold your row. We needn’t start till half-past eight, so there’ll be plenty of time for coffee and a cigar.”
“Then I had better say good-night to you now, Mr Dasent,” said Kate, quietly, holding out her hand.
“Oh, I shall see you again,” he cried.