Mrs. Raymond Ashton! Raymond’s mother! The woman of whom he had spoken so often and so bitterly. The woman who had raised such a fierce objection to her marriage with Raymond.
There was not much resemblance between mother and son; they were both handsome, but there was a sort of humour in Mrs. Ashton’s face which Raymond’s lacked. Esther tried vainly to find some likeness between them.
She realised how different this woman was to what she had pictured her, remembered that spontaneously offered hand. Had Mrs. Ashton known who she was? Oh, surely not, or she would never have appeared so anxious to engage her.
How angry Raymond would be. Angry that the woman he loved was to go to his mother as a paid companion. Esther could not help smiling. For her own sake she would not mind it. At least she would be with his mother and in his home; but, of course, the thing was impossible––such a situation would not be tolerable. She would have to write and refuse.
“Good afternoon!” said a voice, and, turning hurriedly, Esther found Micky Mellowes beside her.
He looked as if he were not quite sure of his reception; but to-day Esther had other thoughts to occupy her which were more interesting than he was––and the smile she gave him was almost friendly.
“Good afternoon! Isn’t it cold?”
“Very.... Where are you hurrying off to?”
He tried to speak casually, but his heart was beating uncomfortably.