“So early?” asked Nance.
“So early!” exclaimed Lady Georgina; “I am often on horseback at seven o’clock. Ah! and you might bring your husband’s little nephew with you; that boy rides splendidly—he has no fear in him.”
Nancy did not reply. The sound of wheels was heard on the gravel.
“There is the dog-cart,” she said, looking at Rowton.
“So it is,” he answered—he looked at his watch—“and time for me to be off too. I see they have put the luggage on. Good-bye, Lady Georgina, a thousand thanks. Good-bye, little woman, expect to hear from me from town.”
“Good-bye, Adrian,” said Nancy. Her voice felt like ice, but her heart was on fire.
Rowton took her in his arms and pressed her to his breast; his lips met hers passionately, his eyes, bold and yet full of subdued anguish, looked into hers. He turned abruptly, the door sounded behind him, and a moment later the crunching of wheels on the gravel became distinctly audible.
“I would not overdo it,” said Lady Georgina, looking at Nance.
“Overdo what?” she answered somewhat proudly.