And as the others seemed busy among themselves, suggesting small arrangements, and the like, Quiney judged it was time for him to go; his services were no longer needed.
He went forward to her.
"Judith," said he, "I will bid you good-day now. If you but knew how glad I am to have seen you—ay, and to find you going on so well! I will take away a lighter heart with me."
She looked up at him hesitating and timid, and then she gathered courage.
"But why must you go?" said she, with some touch of color in the pale face.
He glanced at the others.
"Perchance they may not wish me to stay; they may fear your being tired with talking."
"But if I wish you to stay—for a little while?" she said, gently. "If your business call you not——"
"My business!" he said. "My business must shift for itself on such a day as this; think you 'tis nothing for me to speak with you again, Judith, after so long a time?"
"And my chariot," she said, brightly—"may not I see my chariot?"