"As it is, we have met by appointment," she said quietly.
She was feeling more and more frightened. Mark now looked so set, so grim.
"Would you rather stay out here," he asked, "or shall we go into the church?"
"I'd rather stay out here. What is it, Mark? Don't keep me in suspense."
They were standing, facing one another; he had let go her hand at last.
"What I've come to tell you will give you, I fear, a great shock," he began slowly, "for it concerns someone to whom I believe you to be deeply attached."
He looked away from her for the first time.
"Then it is Bubbles!" she cried, dismayed. "What on earth has the child done?"
He turned and again looked into her face, now full of a deeply troubled, questioning anxiety. "Bubbles Dunster?" he exclaimed. "Good heavens, no! It's nothing to do with Bubbles."
A look of uncontrollable relief came over her eyes and mouth.