When he had left them there was a silence. Nigel made a movement as if he were going to take her hand, and draw her arm within the circle of his; but he did not do it, and they walked on side by side by the river, not touching each other, not speaking. And so, presently, they came to the villa, and to the terrace before the drawing-room. Then Nigel spoke at last.
"Are—you are going in at once, Ruby?" he said.
"Yes."
"I—will you call from your window presently?"
"Why?"
"When I may come up. After this morning I must talk to you before we sleep."
She looked at him, then looked down, resting her white chin on the warm white fur of the ermine.
"I'll call," she said.
As she went away he looked after her, and thought how almost strangely tall she looked in the long white coat. He paced up and down as he waited, listening for the sound of her voice. After what seemed to him a very long time he heard it at last.
"Nigel! You can come up now—if you like."