‘O, if I can—­certainly.’

Before Wych Hazel’s lips had fairly got the words out, the two found themselves suddenly flush with Mr. Rollo, standing by the side of the way under a laburnum tree, which was hung with lights instead of its natural gold pendants.

Swiftly as only thoughts can, they rushed through the girl’s mind on the instant.  Then he was here!  And of course he knew she was not dancing,—­and of course he must think—­There was another figure beginning—­she might go and join that.  No!—­not with him to look on, making mental comments:  that would be simply unendurable.  Then she must tell him it was not for what he had said.  And she could not tell him that, because it was!—­ Only in a different way.  And how was she to talk to him of ‘ways,’ or of anything else, after last night?  The result of all which lucubrations was, that she bent her head gravely—­and it may be said somewhat lower than usual—­in silent acknowledgment of Mr. Rollo’s presence.  She was desperately afraid of him to-night.  But though he stepped up and spoke to her, it was in the indifferent tone of ordinary business.

’On my way here I got something that I think I ought to give to you.  By and by, when you are at leisure, will you command my presence?’

‘I can take it now.’

‘No,’ said he carelessly, ’I will not interrupt you.  I should have to explain.  I will be on the lawn in front of the concert-saloon when you want me.’

He bowed and fell back from them.

‘Have you two guardians?’ said Stuart slyly.

‘No.’

’Just a little more assurance than necessary, in his communication.’

‘What do you consider the proper amount?’ said Wych Hazel, retreating to carelessness in her turn.

‘I should not dare offer any,’ said Stuart.  ’It is with nothing of the kind that I venture to ask if you will ride with me to-morrow.’

‘Ah, I would if I could!’ said the girl longingly.  ’I would give almost anything to be on horseback again.  But my horses have not come, and till then I must wait.’

‘Let me offer one of my aunt’s horses!’ said Stuart eagerly.  But Hazel shook her head.

’I cannot take it—­Mr. Falkirk will let me mount none but my own.’

’Is it reasonable to yield obedience so far, and with so little ground?’

‘It is comfortable,’ said Hazel with a laugh.  ’O yes, I suppose it is reasonable, too.’

The walk went on and the talk; each in its way wandering along through moonlight and among flowers, and then Hazel bethought her that what she had to do must be done before she went home.  So mustering up her courage, she seated herself on one of the broad stone steps at the side door, and despatched her escort to the front for Mr. Rollo.  Presently he came, and sat down beside her.

‘At what hour did you order your carriage?’ he asked in a low tone.

‘Gotham was to wait.’