'Why, Ted, this is nice of you,' cried Victoria going up to him and taking his hand.
'I had to come up to town suddenly,' said Edward, 'to get books for the Head. I'm going back this afternoon but I thought I'd look you up. Did you get the telegram.'
'Just got it now,' said Victoria, showing it, 'so you might have saved the sixpence.'
'I'm sorry,' said Edward. 'I didn't know until this morning.'
'It doesn't matter. I'm so glad to see you.'
There was an awkward pause. Edward brushed away the hair from his forehead. His hands flew back to his watch-chain. Victoria had briefly written to him to tell him why she left the Holts. Fearful of all that touches women, he was acutely conscious that he blamed her and yet knew her to be blameless.
'It's a beautiful day,' he said suddenly.
'Isn't it?' agreed Victoria, looking at him with surprise. There was another pause.
'What are you doing just now, Vic?' Edward breathed more freely, having taken the plunge.
'I've just got some work,' said Victoria. 'I begin on Wednesday.'