"To yours," she said tremulously. "And—and to many happy returns of this very happy day."
Feathers winced as if she had hurt him, but he answered lightly:
"Well, why not? We can come again to-morrow if you like? Wise 171 people take advantage of the sunshine in this country."
Her face paled; she put the glass down untouched. Then abruptly she drew the crumpled telegram from her frock and gave it to him.
"Mr. Dakers, this came this morning."
He took it wonderingly; read it, and handed it back.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked. She did not answer, and he went on almost angrily: "You should have stayed at home. Mrs. Lawless, why didn't you tell me? We could easily have cancelled our arrangements."
She answered him then, in a little shamed whisper:
"Because—because I wanted to come with you."
And there followed a long silence, unbroken save for the soft cooing of a wood pigeon in the trees overhead.