"Upon my word I don't know. Looking back, I think how foolish I must have been. But you see, that idea tended to obscure my view as to Mark."
Oswald Cray rose from his seat, and stood by Dr. Davenal, looking from the window.
"Had it been so, would you have objected to me?" he asked; and in his voice, jesting though it was, there rang a sound of deep meaning.
"No, I would not," replied Dr. Davenal. "I wish it had been so. Don't talk of it; it will put me out of conceit of Mark."
Mr. Oswald Cray laughed, and stole a glance at Sara. Her cheeks were crimson; her head was bent closer to her work than it need have been.
At that moment Dr. Davenal's carriage was heard coming up the side lane, Roger's head and shoulders just visible over the garden wall. Dr. Davenal gave the man a nod as he passed, as much as to say he should be out immediately, and retreated into the room. It had broken the thread of the discourse.
"You came down in answer to Lady Oswald's message?" he observed. "She said she had sent for you."
"Not in answer to the message. I came away before it reached London: at any rate before it reached me."
"Lady Oswald's in a fine way. I suppose nothing can be done?"
"Nothing at all. It is unfortunate that her grounds abut just on that part of the line."