"Have you ever walked up to the chapel on the hill again?"
"Oh, lots of times!"
"You have been energetic. Have you chanced to see the Maritime Alps in the strange mystical light we saw that day?"
"Yes. They always look like that."
"Curious! Then I suppose the walk has no longer any associations——"
"Oh, but it has—bitter associations! We left the path to get some asparagus, and my gown caught in a bramble-bush, and a dog barked——"
The first soft notes of the violins checked the tragic sequel of her tale, and the music swelled into a pathetic wailing waltz, which brought the first part of the programme to an end.
Sir Douglas came during the interval to take them away, and Mr Monteith walked down with them to the station.
"I am sorry there is no room for me at the hotel," he said, as he stood with Lucy on the platform.
"Pray, don't take my word for it. I don't 'run the shanty.' Perhaps you could get a bed."