“Do you wish to turn aside?”
“We can not. We must walk against the tide, and against the rush of men. If we turn aside there is nothing but darkness.”
They walked on in silence till they reached the gate.
“The carriage has not come,” said Mrs. Thornton.
“Do you prefer riding?”
“No.”
“It is not far. Will you walk?”
“With pleasure.”
They walked on slowly. About half-way they met the carriage. Mrs. Thornton ordered it back, saying that she would walk the rest of the way.
They walked on slowly, saying so little that at last Mrs. Thornton began to speak about the music which they had proposed to undertake. Despard’s enthusiasm seemed to have left him. His replies were vague and general. On reaching the gate he stood still for a moment under the trees and half turned toward her. “You don’t say any thing about the music?” said she.