“‘What is it?’
“‘I can’t tell you here,’ she murmured.
“‘Come to an hotel,’ I said again, ‘we can get a private sitting-room; we can talk.’
“‘Oh, no, not that. I suppose ... I suppose you wouldn’t ... I am sure you are busy.’
“‘No, no, on my honour, Ruth, I have absolutely nothing to do either to-day, or to-morrow, or the next day, or any day after that.’
“‘Sure?’ she said eagerly, raising her eyes for one moment to mine and then lowering them again.
“‘Quite sure.’
“‘Then,’ with sudden boldness, ‘will you come down to the Weald with me? now? at once?’
“‘To the Weald? Of course I will, I’ll do anything you like. We’ll go straight to Charing Cross, shall we?’
“‘Oh, yes, please, you are very good. And please, don’t ask me any questions till we get there.’