For a moment he almost failed to recognise her. She
reminded him more of the woman of the tea-shop. Her costume,
neat and correct though it was, was studiously unobtrusive. Her
motoring veil, too, was obviously worn to assist her in escaping
notice.
She, too, came to a standstill at seeing him. Her first
ejaculations betrayed a surprise which bordered on consternation.
Then Francis, with a sudden inspiration, pointed to the long
envelope which she was carrying in her hand.
"You have been to book a passage somewhere!" he exclaimed.
"Well?"
The monosyllable was in her usual level tone. Nevertheless, he
could see that she was shaken:
"You were going away without seeing me again?"' he asked
reproachfully.
"Yes!" she admitted.
"Why?"
She looked up and down a little helplessly.
"I owe you no explanation for my conduct," she said. "Please let
me pass."
"Could we talk for a few minutes, please?" he begged. "Tell me
where you were going?"
"Oh, back to lunch, I suppose," she answered.
"Your father has been up, looking for you," he told her.
"I telephoned to The Sanctuary," she replied. "He had just
left."
"I am very anxious," he continued, "not to distress you, but I
cannot let you go away like this. Will you come to my rooms and
let us talk for a little time?"
She made no answer.
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