"Yes, Guy Elersley," he answered, a little sadly, "am I intruding?"
"It is not that," she said hesitatingly, "but your presence surprises me so, I thought you were—"
"Miles away, no doubt," he interrupted, "but now that I am really here, am I ever so little welcome?"
"You do not need to ask that," Honor said a little formally, "I think the name of the house is too well-known to necessitate such a question."
"Oh, Honor, you know I do not mean that, why don't you spare me a little?" Then looking anxiously around the room, he asked, "am I safe here, to speak to you without fear of being seen or interrupted?"
"May be not," she faltered. "We had better go outside."
She drew the thick heavy folds of her white wrap over her head and shoulders, and stepped out under the shelter of the portico. When they reached the farthest end she stood, and said in amused surprise—
"What business of terrible importance could have brought you here in this way?"
"I cannot tell you that immediately," he answered seriously, "but you will know it by and bye, Honor," taking her hands in his, and looking meaningly into the deep gray eyes, "will you be vexed if I tell you that I have just overheard your conversation with Vivian Standish?"
"Not half so much as he would be," she answered good-humoredly, "have you been playing eaves-dropping?"