"Knew what?" cried a voice at her elbow—for she had spoken the last sentence aloud.
The interruption came from George Atkinson. He had been about looking for her, and at last had found her. Edina blushed at having allowed her words to be heard: as he sat down beside her.
"I was only wishing I knew whether it would be better for me to settle near London or at Trennach," she answered with a smile. "It was very silly of me to speak aloud."
"Charles Raynor has just informed us that you intend to remain for good at Eagles' Nest."
"Oh no, I do not. I have never said I would; and to-morrow I shall tell them why. I should like to have a little place of my own; ever so little, but my very own. Either at Trennach, or in this neighbourhood: or perhaps—in London."
"Both in this neighbourhood and in London," he interrupted. "And, sometimes sojourning elsewhere: at the seaside or at Trennach. That is what I should recommend."
"You have made me a millionaire in my own estimation, but not quite so rich as that," laughed Edina.
"The houses are ready for you, and waiting."
Some peculiarity in his tone made her heart stand still. He turned and took her hands in his, speaking softly.
"Edina! Don't you know—have you not guessed—that I want you in my houses, my home? Surely you will come to me!—you will not say me nay! I know that it is late, very late, for me to say this to you: but I will try and make you happy as my wife."