"It struck me," he said, slowly, with his eyes half shut, "that Conway proved rather a broken reed just now."
"He did," said Ruth. She suddenly felt that she could understand what it was in Charles that exasperated Lady Mary so much.
He came a step nearer, and his manner altered.
"I sent him away," he said, looking gravely at her, "because I wished to speak to you."
Ruth did not answer or turn her head, though she felt he was watching her. Her eyes absently followed two young fallow-deer in the park, cantering away in a series of hops on their long stiff legs.
"I cannot speak to you here," said Charles, after a pause.
Ruth turned round.
"Silence is golden sometimes. I think quite enough has been said already."
"Not by me. You expressed yourself with considerable frankness. I wish to follow your example."
"You said I was unjust at the time. Surely that was sufficient."