"You need not be uneasy then, darling, on that account. I shall leave the cliffs early, I only want to be untrammeled, so as to ramble about at random. At any rate I shall be home in good time for dinner, and will be as hungry as a hunter, I promise you. I only want you not to fret your foolish little head if I am not here at the very moment I expect."
"Very well," said Zillah, "I will not, and I must not keep you talking any longer."
"Au revoir," said Hilda, kissing her. "An revoir," she repeated, gayly.
Zillah smiled, and as she rose to go and dress for the drive Hilda took her path to the cliffs.
It was seven o'clock when Zillah returned.
"Is Miss Lorton in?" she asked, as she entered.
"No, miss," answered the maid.
"I will wait dinner then," said Zillah; and after changing her things she went out on the balcony to wait for Hilda's return.
Half an hour passed, and Hilda did not come.
Zillah grew anxious, and looked incessantly at her watch. Eight o'clock came--a quarter after eight.