“Yes,” said Ranald, with an easy, frank smile; “they were dear days, indeed; I often think of them. And now I must really go. Say good by to De Lacy for me.”
He came away from her with an inexplicable feeling of exultation. He had gone with some slight trepidation in his heart, to meet her, and it was no small relief to him to discover that she had lost all power over him.
“What sort of man could I have been, I wonder?” he asked himself; “and it was only three years ago.”
Near the door Lady Mary stopped him. “Going so early, and without saying good by?” she said, reproachfully.
“I must leave town to-night,” he replied, “but I am glad to say good by to you.”
“I think you ought to stay. I am sure His Excellency wants to see you.”
“I am sure you are good to think so, but I am also quite sure that he has never given a thought to my insignificant self.”
“Indeed he has. Now, can't you stay a few days? I want to see more—we all want to hear more about the West.”
“You will never know the West by hearing of it,” said Ranald, offering his hand.
“Good by,” she said, “I am coming.”