"That," she said, "was very nice of you, but you will soon get used to the change."
"You may," he replied with rather bitter humour.
"After all," said Millicent, "one meets pleasant people here and there, and though one regrets it has to part from them."
Looking at her fixedly, he understood. Her expression was quietly resolute, and he recognized that their friendship must shortly come to an end. The girl knew her mind and had obviously made it up.
"Well," he said in a resigned tone, "you won't be forgotten. I must get back to India as soon as I can."
By and by he went away and Mrs. Keith joined Millicent.
"What have you been saying to Walters?" she asked. "I met him going out, and he looked very crestfallen."
"He hinted that he might follow us to the Vivians' and I suggested that it was too cold a place for him," Millicent answered with a blush.
"I see," remarked Mrs. Keith, who was sometimes blunt. "Well, I daresay you were wise; though I'm told he'll be captain shortly, and he has his good points, Jimmy is no catch. You certainly might do better."
Millicent turned her head, half-indignant, half-embarrassed, and Mrs. Keith laughed.