“I will call and see your stepfather in the city directly after lunch,” he said.  “If you will write to your Aunts La Sarthe, I do not think there can be any objection.”

“We could take Aphrodite, could we not?” Halcyone asked.  “She is very heavy, I know, but I would carry her, and I do not think I would like to leave her there in the dark away from me for all that time.”

“We would certainly take her,” said Cheiron.

Halcyone knew enough about London now to know where Kensington Gardens were.  Whenever she went to see Mr. Carlyon, it was an understood thing he would bring her safely back, so no one would be sent to fetch her.  Might they not go to Kensington Gardens this morning, she asked.  She remembered to have noticed, when she had driven past with Mr. Anderton, that there seemed to be big trees there.  She wanted to get into some open space, London was stifling her.

Mr. Carlyon put on his hat, and prepared to accompany her.  They drove to the first gate and got out, neither having spoken a word, as was their habit when both were thinking.

They wandered in among the trees and found two chairs and sat down.

These were real trees, Halcyone felt.  And, although she would have preferred to be alone to-day without even Cheiron, the great trunks and vast leafy canopy above them comforted her.

She would not permit herself to think, the beauty of the summer day must just saturate her, and soothe the cold, sick ache in her heart.  And, presently, when she was strengthened, she would face it all and see what it could mean, and what would be best to do to bear the blow as a La Sarthe should, and show nothing of the anguish.

And, as she mused, her eyes absently wandered to a couple under a tree some twenty yards beyond them.  There was something familiar in the girl’s graceful back, and, as she turned her fresh face to look at her companion, Halcyone saw that it was Cora Lutworth.

Some magnetic spark seemed to connect them, for the pretty American girl turned completely round in her chair, and catching sight of the two jumped up and came towards them—­with glad, laughing eyes and out-stretched hands.

“To see you!” she exclaimed.  “That is so good!  There is no Styx here, and we must have some fun together!”

She sat down upon a chair which Lord Freynault dragged up for her, and he himself took another beyond the Professor—­so the two girls could talk together.

“I am going to be married—­you know!” Cora announced gayly.  “Freynie and I settled it at a ball last night, but we haven’t told anyone yet!  Isn’t it lovely?  We just slipped out here for a little quiet talk.”

“I am so glad.  I hope you will be very happy,” Halcyone said, and tried not to let the contrast of Cora’s joyous prospect make her wince.

“I am always happy,” Cora returned, “and it’s dear of you to wish me nice things.”