"Get to dressin' the earth round them hornbeam hedges with soap-ash. D'yer hear?"
Mrs. Verulam turned away and took Mr. Rodney's arm.
"You will not leave society?" he whispered. "You will not take to these horrible pursuits?"
"Perhaps—perhaps not. I must think. I must ponder."
"Come and ponder at Mitching Dean."
She smiled at him. They joined Chloe and the faithful Marriner. Chloe had just run to the corner of the lane.
"He's coming, Daisy!" she whispered excitedly. "I've seen him in the distance. He's coming. Boswell is sitting on his shoulder. Oh, oh!"
"Dear Chloe!" said Mrs. Verulam. "And society?"
"I've had enough of it. I only want Florida and—and him. And you, Daisy?"