Malling got up too.
"Is it getting late?" he said. "Perhaps—"
At this moment the door was gently opened and Mr. Harding appeared.
"Oh, Chichester," he said. "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. What is it? Would you like to come to my study?"
"I must be off," said Malling. "May I say good-by to Lady Sophia? Or perhaps she is resting and would rather not be disturbed."
"I'm sure she would wish to say good-by to you," said the rector. "I'll just ask her."
He shot a quick glance from one man to the other and went out of the room, leaving the door open behind him.
Directly he was gone the curate said: "It has been such a pleasure to me to renew my acquaintance with you, Mr. Malling. Are you going to be long in London?"
"All the season, I think."
"Then I hope we may meet again soon, very soon."