"Is it money-trouble again, Richard?"
"No; not this time."
"If she brings anything of that sort on you in future, refer her to me. Yes, Richard: I must deal with it now."
Farewells were exchanged, and the carriage drove away. Richard, stepping backwards, came into contact with Miss Dallory.
"I beg your pardon!" he exclaimed. "Have I hurt you? I did not know you were there."
"Of course you have not hurt me: and I had no business to be there. I stood to wave to them. Good-afternoon, Mr. Richard."
"Are you going?" he asked.
"I have promised to spend the afternoon and take tea with Mrs. Gass. Luncheon was my dinner. I saw you looking at me as if you thought my appetite remarkable."
"Miss Dallory!"
She laughed slightly.