"To talk Little Englandism? Alack!"
The tone was soft--it ended in a sigh.
"Does it really trouble you?"
She was looking down at her work. Her fingers drew the silk out and in--a little at random. She shook her head slightly, without reply.
"I believe it does," he said, gently, still smiling. "Well, when I make my speech, I shall remember that."
She looked up suddenly. Their eyes met full. On her just parted lips the words she had meant to say remained unspoken. Then a murmur of voices from the garden reached them, as though some one approached. Marsham rose.
"Shall we go into the garden? I ought to speak to Robins. How is he getting on?"
Robins was the new head gardener, appointed on Marsham's recommendation.
"Excellently." Diana had also risen. "I will get my hat."
He opened the door for her. Hang those people outside! But for them she would have been already in his arms.