All this was said in that sweet, false tone which of late had gone through Molly like the scraping of a slate-pencil on a slate.  Roger’s face changed.  His ruddy colour grew paler for a moment, and he looked grave and not pleased.  In another moment the wonted frankness of expression returned.  Why should not he, he asked himself, believe her? it was early to call; it did interrupt regular occupation.  So he spoke, and said,—­

’I believe I have been very thoughtless—­I’ll not come so early again; but I had some excuse to-day:  my brother told me you had made a plan for going to see Hurst Wood when the roses were out, and they are earlier than usual this year—­I’ve been round to see.  He spoke of a long day there, going before lunch—­’

’The plan was made with Mr. Osborne Hamley.  I could not think of going without him!’ said Mrs. Gibson, coldly.

’I had a letter from him this morning, in which he named your wish, and he says he fears he cannot be at home till they are out of flower.  I daresay they are not much to see in reality, but the day is so lovely I thought that the plan of going to Hurst Wood would be a charming excuse for being out of doors.’

’Thank you.  How kind you are! and so good, too, in sacrificing your natural desire to be with your father as much as possible.’

’I am glad to say my father is so much better than he was in the winter that he spends much of his time out of doors in his fields.  He has been accustomed to go about alone, and I—­we think that as great a return to his former habits as he can be induced to make, is the best for him.’

‘And when do you return to Cambridge?’

There was some hesitation in Roger’s manner as he replied,—­

’It is uncertain.  You probably know that I am a Fellow of Trinity now.  I hardly yet know what my future plans may be; I am thinking of going up to London soon.’

‘Ah!  London is the true place for a young man,’ said Mrs. Gibson, with decision, as if she had reflected a good deal on the question.  ’If it were not that we really are so busy this morning, I should have been tempted to make an exception to our general rule; one more exception, for your early visits have made us make too many already.  Perhaps, however, we may see you again before you go?’

‘Certainly I shall come,’ replied he, rising to take his leave, and still holding the demolished roses in his hand.  Then, addressing himself more especially to Cynthia, he added, ’My stay in London will not exceed a fortnight or so—­is there anything I can do for you—­or you?’ turning a little to Molly.

‘No, thank you very much,’ said Cynthia, very sweetly, and then, acting on a sudden impulse, she leant out of the window, and gathered him some half-opened roses.  ’You deserve these; do throw that poor shabby bunch away.’

His eyes brightened, his cheeks glowed.  He took the offered buds, but did not throw away the other bunch.