'If we make haste across the park, we shall be able to catch the express to town.'
'Then let's make haste and catch it.'
'Come!'
They began to walk quickly, side by side. As they passed round the bend they came on the two children sitting, with the Stranger, beside the lake. The children, scrambling to their feet, came running to them.
'Mamma,' they cried, 'come and see the friend of little children!'
At sight of them the woman drew back, as if afraid. The man interposed.
'Don't worry, you youngsters! Your mother's in a hurry--run away! Come, Doris, make haste; we've no time to lose if we wish to catch the train.'
He put his arm through hers, and made as if to draw her past them. She seemed disposed to linger.
'Let me--say good-bye to them.'
He whispered in her ear: