“No, no––oh no, I’d much rather go!”
Micky had reserved a carriage.
“I think I will go in a smoker,” he said. He put some magazines and a box of chocolates on the seat; he avoided looking at her. “It’s a corridor train so I’ll come and see that you are all right occasionally––if I may.”
She did not answer; she felt a little chill of disappointment. He had not asked a single question about Raymond, and now he was suggesting that they travel the long journey separately.
He hesitated.
“Will you be all right?” he asked awkwardly.
“Yes, thank you.”
He went away, and presently the train started. Esther looked out of the window and watched the city as it was rapidly left behind.