“We thought you were lost,” said Howard Spence, significantly.
“Oh, no,” she answered lightly, evading his look. “I was on the bench at the edge of the wood.” She turned again to Peter. “How good of you to come up and see me!”
“I couldn't have resisted that,” he declared, “if it were only for an hour.”
“I've been trying to persuade him to stay a while with us,” Joshua put in with unusual graciousness. “My mother will be disappointed not to see you.”
“There is nothing I should like better, Mr. Holt,” said Peter, simply, gazing off across the lawn. “Unfortunately I have to leave for the West to-night.”
“Before you go,” said Honora, “you must see this wonderful place. Come, we'll begin with the garden.”
She had a desire now to take him away by himself, something she had wished, an hour ago, to avoid.
“Wouldn't you like a runabout?” suggested Joshua, hospitably.
Honora thanked him.
“I'm sure Mr. Erwin would rather walk,” she replied.