"Certainly. Any friend of mine would be welcome," with a little air of hauteur and distance.
"Oh, thanks. And now I suppose I must go."
He rose and looked down at her, as if he were hoping she would tell him not to go so soon. But she said nothing.
"I suppose you wheel?" glancing at her dress.
"Yes, of course."
"I might have known you would; so do I. Perhaps you'll let me take a spin with you?"
"Perhaps."
"And you like sailing as well as ever?"
"Yes."
"Then I hope you'll go out in this bit of a boat of mine; she's a real fine one; and I like something I can manage all myself, so I got a small one. You'll try her?"