Meantime Lucia, under Maurice's escort, was on her way home. They had started, talking gaily enough, but before half the distance was passed they grew silent.
After a long pause Maurice asked, "Are you very tired?"
Lucia's meditation had carried her so far away that she started at the sound of his voice.
"Tired? oh, no! At least not very much."
"And you have enjoyed the day after all?"
"Pretty well. Not much, I think."
"I thought you looked happy enough this evening. Come, confess you are glad you did not stay at home."
"Indeed, I will not; mamma, I am sure, wished me to stay?"
"Yet she made you come."
"Yes, because she thought I wanted to do so. Maurice, do you think she looks ill?"