"Thank you," he replied; "I am glad to hear you say so." And the subject dropped.
The two ladies were alone for a few minutes after dinner in the North room. Lucy was standing at the open window.
"Of course you know all about the place by this time, Theresa," she suddenly said. "There's a house over there amidst those trees: who lives in it?"
"Some lady, I believe, who chooses to keep herself very retired," replied Miss Blake.
"Oh, I asked Karl, but he could not tell me: he says he is nearly as much a stranger here as I am. Theresa! I do think that's a nightingale! Listen."
"Yes we have nightingales here," said Miss Blake, indifferently.
Lucy crossed the lawn, and paced before the clusters of trees. The bird was just beginning its sweet notes. Karl came out, drew her hand within his arm, and walked with her until Miss Blake called out that the tea was waiting.
But Lucy yet was not very strong. She began to feel tired, and a sudden headache came on. When tea was over Karl said she must go to bed.
"I think I will," she answered, rising. "If you will pardon my leaving you, Theresa. Good night."
Karl went up with her and stayed a few minutes talking. In coming down he went straight to his smoking-room and shut the door.