"This is too bad!" she exclaimed, as they met. "I hope you can come back to the house."
She walked straight up to him and gave him her hand in her quick, frank way.
"I'm sorry, but I must go in to town on this next train," he answered. He turned in the path and walked along beside her.
"This happened to be one of our scattering days, for all except father."
"We had a nice talk, he and I. Your place is charming."
They descended the shore path until they came to the villa where the tea drinkers were assembled.
"Don't let me detain you. I'm sure you were going to join these lotus eaters."
"I don't believe they need me," she answered, evasively. "They seem pretty busy. But if you're hungry—or thirsty, I can get something for you there." They passed the gate, walking slowly along. He knew that he ought to urge her to stop, and that he must hurry on to catch his train; but it was too sweet to be near her; this was the last time and it was his own!
"I seem to remember your tea drinking ways," she said. "You use only sugar and the hot water."