Here Lawrence paused. He was gazing persistently at his companion. But she did not seem to be aware of this gaze. She did not try to help him out with his sentence. She was standing in perfect quiet; she was not a nervous woman, and she could remain for several moments without moving.
It was six months since Lawrence had seen Carolyn. He was wondering if she had always impressed him as she impressed him now. If she had done so, he thought it was inexplicable that he should have forgotten.
But then, formerly, he had seen somebody else. That accounted for everything, of course.
And he wished that carbuncle had not been found. It seemed awkward to have that turn up now when he had ceased to care for it. It was like a ghost stalking out of the past.
He took a step towards the door.
"I'm as dingy with heat and dust as a savage," he remarked. "I suppose I can have my old room?"
"Of course."
"All right, then. Do stay out here until I come down, Caro; will you?"
He advanced now towards her.