The Major was quite pleased and rather flattered. He had no idea that the tall young woman with Lady Penelope had deliberately cut his host. But Meg knew just why she had done it.
After lunch Miles very properly effaced him
self, but made a point of asking the Major if he might act as Miss Morton's escort on the journey back to Amber Guiting.
The Major graciously accompanied Meg while she did the rest of her shopping, and in the promenade they met the Pottinger party again.
The 4.55 was crowded. Miles collected Meg's parcels and suggested to the Major that it would be less tiring for his daughter if they returned first-class. Should he change the tickets?
The Major thought it a sensible proposition, especially with all those parcels. Meg would pay Captain Middleton the difference.
Again an amiable porter secured them an empty carriage. The parcels spread themselves luxuriously upon the unoccupied seats. The Major kissed his daughter and gave her his benediction, shaking hands quite warmly with her "pleasant young friend."
The 4.55 runs right up to the junction without a stop. Meg took off her best hat and placed it carefully in the rack. She leaned her bewildered head against the cushions and closed her eyes. She would drift with the tide just a few minutes more, and then——
Miles put a box of groceries for Lady Mary under her feet. She smiled faintly, but did not speak.
Presently she opened her eyes to find him regarding her with that expression she had surprised once or twice before, and never understood.