Bernard Gresham scarcely stayed to hear his reply.
“All right,” he said. “They’re waiting for me,” and he shut the door.
Half-way to the fish-ponds, Evelyn’s strength showed signs of giving out.
“Duke,” she said, plaintively, “if I go much farther you will have to carry me back. You forget that we walked here from Palden!”
Duke looked intensely penitent.
“Of course,” he said; “why didn’t you say so before, Evey, when Gresham proposed it?”
“I didn’t know how far it was,” she replied. “Is it much farther, Mr Gresham?”
Bernard hesitated.
“I am extremely sorry, Mrs Headfort,” he said. “I’m afraid I must own we haven’t come half-way. But of course if it is too much for you we had better give it up.”
“Oh, dear, no,” said Evelyn, quickly. “That would vex me dreadfully. It is such a lovely day. You three go on, and I’ll easily find my way back to Merle, and wait on the terrace for you. I shall enjoy the quiet, and it would be a shame to stay indoors on such a perfect afternoon.”