They came home and took tea, then Mr. Granger and Elizabeth made ready to go to evening service. To Geoffrey’s dismay Beatrice did the same. He had looked forward to a quiet walk with her—really this was not to be borne. Fortunately, or rather unfortunately, she was ready the first, and he got a word with her.
“I did not know that you were going to church,” he said; “I thought that we might have had a walk together. Very likely I shall have to go away early to-morrow morning.”
“Indeed,” answered Beatrice coldly. “But of course you have your work to attend to. I told Elizabeth that I was coming to church, and I must go; it is too sultry to walk; there will be a storm soon.”
At this moment Elizabeth came in.
“Well, Beatrice,” she said, “are you coming to church? Father has gone on.”
Beatrice pretended not to hear, and reflected a moment. He would go away and she would see him no more. Could she let slip this last hour? Oh, she could not do it!
In that moment of reflection her fate was sealed.
“No,” she answered slowly, “I don’t think that I am coming; it is too sultry to go to church. I daresay that Mr. Bingham will accompany you.”
Geoffrey hastily disclaimed any such intention, and Elizabeth started alone. “Ah!” she said to herself, “I thought that you would not come, my dear.”
“Well,” said Geoffrey, when she had well gone, “shall we go out?”