'Come, let us light our candles and go together.'
Holding hands, we ascended, I sleepy, she silent; and not a word was spoken until we reached my room. Mary Quince was in waiting, and tea made.
'Tell her to come back in a few minutes; I wish to say a word to you,' said Lady Knollys.
The maid accordingly withdrew.
Lady Knollys' eyes followed her till she closed the door behind her.
'I'm going in the morning.'
'So soon!'
'Yes, dear; I could not stay; in fact, I should have gone to-night, but it was too late, and I leave instead in the morning.'
'I am so sorry—so very sorry,' I exclaimed, in honest disappointment, and the walls seemed to darken round me, and the monotony of the old routine loomed more terrible in prospect.
'So am I, dear Maud.'