Rob drew a heavy breath, and from that moment he liked Dowton. But he had himself to think of at present. He remembered that he had another question to ask Miss Abinger.
'It is a very long time since I saw you,' he said.
'Yes,' said Mary, sitting straight in her saddle, 'you never came to the house-boat those last weeks. I suppose you were too busy.'
'That was not what kept me away,' Rob said. 'You know it was not.'
Mary looked behind her again.
'There was nothing else,' she said; 'I cannot understand what is detaining Sir Clement.'
'I thought——' Rob began.
'You should not,' said Mary, looking at the schoolhouse.
'But your brother——' Rob was saying, when he paused, not wanting to incriminate Dick.
'Yes, I know,' said Mary, whose intellect was very clear to-day. She knew why Rob stopped short, and there was a soft look in her eyes as they were turned upon him.