'Perhaps, then, I ought to remain—for Colonel Abinger's sake,' said the baronet.
Mary did not answer.
'Only for a few days,' he continued almost appealingly.
'Very well,' said Mary.
'And you won't think the worse of me for it?' asked Dowton anxiously. 'Of course, if I were to consult my own wishes I would go now, but as I promised Colonel Abinger——'
'You will remain out of consideration for papa. How could I think worse of you for that?'
Mary rose to leave the room, and as Sir Clement opened the door for her he said—
'We shall say nothing of all this to Colonel Abinger?'
'Oh no, certainly not,' said Mary.
She glanced up in his face, her mouth twisted slightly to one side, as it had a habit of doing when she felt disdainful, and the glory of her beauty filled him of a sudden. The baronet pushed the door close and turned to her passionately, a film over his eyes and his hands outstretched.