"Of course," he answered.
The two young men went out together. Mary Jupp ran home, and Clara waited the return of her husband.
It was long past midnight when he came in. They sat up talking over the accident; the details which he had learnt, and seen. Oliver Jupp had been quite correct in his limit of the damage. Mrs. Chester (taking up the suggested notion that Clara Lake had stayed away because it was Sunday) had sent a very pressing invitation for her and her husband to come on the following day, Monday, with the two elder Miss Jupps. Mr. Lake delivered it to her.
"Will you go, Clara?"
"Will they go?" she rejoined. "Will they venture?"
"Venture!"
"After this accident?"
"I do not see why they should not. An accident two days running would be something remarkable. What about your dream?"
"Oh, I will go, Robert. Yes. The dream has done its office and I shall be ever thankful for it."
She spoke the last words reverently. Mr. Lake looked at her with surprise.