"It's nonsense," she thought; "how can he go away for a change without me?"
But she put a restraint on herself and asked casually, "Where is he thinking of going so suddenly?"
"Oh! he's taking a little trip abroad hardly worth speaking about. It seemed a favourable opportunity. A double cabin was going begging on the steamer leaving--er--never mind where!... an outside cabin, you know; on the promenade deck; pleasantest position, you know; no splashing, and lots of air.... One wants plenty of air, especially during those four days in the Red Sea."
Then she was right. Her suspicions that the probation of her character and intentions was only to begin seriously now were being verified.
"What takes people to the Red Sea, uncle dear?" she asked, with her most ingenuous smile.
"Yes, what takes them to the Red Sea? Four thousand years ago the ancient Jews asked the same question, and everyone asks it to-day when he finds himself sweltering there. But still, if you want to go to India, you must pass through the Red Sea.... And I want to go to India once more. I've been quite long enough trotting about the pavements at home. And as our Konrad is overworked--you'll admit he is, child--I have talked him into coming to travel with me a bit. For in cases like this I believe change of scene is the best remedy. Do you see?"
Lilly felt a lump rise in her throat as if all the links of his gold watch-chain were choking her.
"This joke isn't in the best of taste," she thought; "and God knows what he means by it."
But whether she liked it or not, she had to play at the game. "Konrad might have had the grace to come and say goodbye to me prettily," she replied, pouting a little, as if a journey to Potsdam or Dresden was in question.
"Well, you see, child, that's what he wanted to do, of course. But I said to him, 'Look here, my boy, farewells are far too exciting and unnerving, and may bring on apoplexy.' He agreed, and left it to me to put matters straight with you."