'Is it reasonable to yield obedience so far, and with so little ground?'
'It is comfortable,' said Hazel with a laugh. 'O yes, I suppose it is reasonable, too.'
The walk went on and the talk; each in its way wandering along through moonlight and among flowers, and then Hazel bethought her that what she had to do must be done before she went home. So mustering up her courage, she seated herself on one of the broad stone steps at the side door, and despatched her escort to the front for Mr. Rollo. Presently he came, and sat down beside her.
'At what hour did you order your carriage?' he asked in a low tone.
'Gotham was to wait.'
'He has gone home. I met him as I came.'
'Gone home? O he is only driving around to keep his horse awake. It is not a fiery turnout, by any means.'
'He has gone home,' Rollo repeated smiling, 'and I did not know enough to order him about again. But I sent word to Mr. Falkirk that I would take care of you.'
The girl's brows lifted, then drew slightly together.
'Thank you—,' she said, with rather stately hesitation,—'but as Mr. Falkirk will send Gotham straight back, I had better wait.'