"Mr. William is, ma'am."
"Where to, do you know?"
"I think it is only to Mr. Palmer's," returned Philip. "I know Mr. William said we should not be away above an hour."
William appeared in the distance, coming from the manufactory with a fleet step, and a square flat parcel in his hand.
"I am going to Mr. Palmer's to take this," he said to his mother, indicating the parcel as he threw it into the carriage; "it contains some papers that my father promised to get for him as soon as possible to-day. He was going to send Philip alone, but I said I should like the drive. You have just come in time, Mildred; get up."
The soft pink bloom mantled in her face; but she rather drew away from the carriage than approached it. She never went out upon William's invitation alone.
"Why not, my dear?" said Mrs. Arkell, "it will do you good. You will be back in time for dinner."
William was looking round all the while, as he waited to help her up, a half laugh upon his face. Mildred's roses deepened, and she stepped in. Philip came round to his young master.
"Am I to go now, sir?"
"Go now? of course; why should you not go? There's the back seat, isn't there?"