“Good morning”—she went on past him.
He took two steps after her. “Are you in a hurry? Can I come with you?”
“It is quite near. Thank you—I'd liefer go alone”.
He, a delicate being, all nerves, was repelled; lifted the old cloth hat; but then again stepped after her, saying: “But are you angry with me for something?”
“Why should I be? I have no right to expect anything from you, Mr. Loveday”.
“No right? You have, a little, I fancy!”
He said it at her ear with such a lowering of the eyelids, that it pierced to her fond heart, and she smiled with a “H'm!” uncertain, half turned to him; but said: “I must be getting on—”
“But it is most important that I should talk to you about everything. Where are you staying?”
“It is some distance from here”, she answered, undecided whether or not to give her address.
“Ah—in that case—but still—will you meet me? Say here—this evening?”