and now you would have us cavort along dusty highways to other joys. Why is it?”
“My quotation applied to the whole of this sceptered isle.”
“You are quibbling, Dacre, and I think I guess the reason. Have you heard anything of Marten recently?”
His companion did not try to conceal the surprise that leaped to his eyes.
“Your Indians made you a bit of wizard,” he said. “I’ll tell you now what I meant to hide from you. Marten has rented Lord Valescure’s place on the hill yonder, and is due here tomorrow or next day. I heard the name of the new tenant only this morning, and decided that we ought to quit if we want to be happy.”
“No. If you’ll let me, I’ll remain.”
“Is it wise?”
“I endured the major wrench last night. Marten and—and his daughter were staying in the same hotel as myself.”
“So you have seen her—at last?”
“Yes, and I’ll confess my weakness. Having seen her, I wish to speak to her. I admit my folly; but I cannot help it. Somehow—I think—that her mother—would wish it. I’ll placate Marten, grovel to him, if I may be allowed to meet her.”