‘As regards that,’ said Isabel, ‘I should find in my own nation entertainment for a lifetime. But we’ve a long drive, and my aunt will soon wish to start.’ She turned back towards the others and Lord Warburton walked beside her in silence. But before they reached the others, ‘I shall come and see you next week,’ he said.

She had received an appreciable shock, but as it died away she felt that she couldn’t pretend to herself that it was altogether a painful one. Nevertheless she made answer to his declaration, coldly enough, ‘Just as you please.’ And her coldness was not the calculation of her effect—a game she played in a much smaller degree than would have seemed probable to many critics. It came from a certain fear.