"Is it so difficult?" asked Lady Dashwood, then she suddenly pulled herself up and said: "Oh, May, a note was left just after you went out by Mrs. Potten. She wouldn't come in. Mark that, May! She had been seeing Gwendolen off. The girl has gone to her mother. Marian wants me to lunch with her to-morrow. I telephoned her a few moments ago that I would go and see her later in the week. I wonder if she wants to speak to me about Gwen? I can't help wondering. Oh dear, the whole thing seems like a dream now! Don't you think so?"
May was drinking a hurried cup of tea. "No, it seems very real to me," she said.
Lady Dashwood looked at her silently. The Warden had not returned. At least there was no sign of his being in the house.
Robinson came in to announce the taxi.
"Is the Warden in?" asked Lady Dashwood, half raising herself.
No, the Warden was not in.
"He will meet you at the station," said Lady Dashwood, nodding her head slowly at her niece.
"He may not be able to," said May, going up to the sofa. She spoke as if it were a matter of unconcern. She must keep this up. She had counselled Gwendolen to be brave! This thought brought with it a little sob of laughter that nearly choked her. "Good-bye, Aunt Lena," she said, throwing her arms round Lady Dashwood, and the two rested their heads together for a moment in a silent embrace. Then they parted.
"Good-bye," said Lady Dashwood. "Look out for poor Jim on the platform. Look out for him!"
They kissed once or twice in formal fashion, and then May walked away to the door and went out without looking back.