Ermyntrude sailed upstairs to put on a wrap for the journey to the Dower House, but Mary was overtaken, with her hand already on the baluster-rail, by Dr Chester. He put his hand over hers, and clasped it. "Mary, that engagement!"
She found herself unable to meet his eyes. "Yes, were you surprised? I was the only person who knew it was blowing up."
"Mary, look at me! I thought - I could have sworn—' he broke off, as though he did not know how to go on.
She did look up, but very fleetingly. "That it was going be me?"
"Yes," he said bluntly.
"Well, so did I, at one time. Not that I had any real reason to, and as a matter of fact it wouldn't have done at all. Hugh's a dear, but he's not my type, and I'm not his."
His clasp on her hand tightened. "Mary, is that the truth? I thought…And he's so much nearer you in age, that I made sure '
"Maurice," interrupted Mary, crimson-cheeked, "Wasn't it Aunt Ermy with you - ever?"
"Ermyntrude? Good God, no! Mary, this isn't the moment to ask you, but could you possibly - is there the slightest hope '
"Oh, Maurice, I think I must always have- Oh, look out, here she is!"