Coming opposite the drive gates of Chorley Old Hall, he was brought to a sense of his surroundings by a figure, which emerged suddenly from them and came to a dead stop.
“Oh!” ejaculated Doctor Hilary. “Good afternoon.” And he took off his cap.
“Good afternoon,” responded Trix. She turned along the lane beside him.
“Have you been interviewing the gardens?” he asked. She fancied there was the faintest trace of anxiety in his voice.
A sudden spirit of mischief took possession of Trix. She had been given leave. It was really too good an opportunity to be lost.
“Oh no,” she responded, dove-like innocence in her voice, “I’ve just been having tea with Mr. Danver.”
If she wanted to see amazement written on his face, she had her desire. It spread itself large over his countenance, finding verbal expression in an utterly astounded gasp.
“He seems very well,” said Trix demurely.
“Miss Devereux!” ejaculated Doctor Hilary.
“Yes?” asked Trix sweetly.