’I was not thinking of it.  Mrs Hurtle wished to get to the sea, and as she knew no one else here in England, I brought her.’

‘Mr Montague and I have travelled so many miles together before now,’ she said, ‘that a few additional will not make much difference.’

‘Do you stay long?’ asked Roger in the same voice.

‘I go back probably on Monday,’ said Montague.

’As I shall be here a whole week, and shall not speak a word to any one after he has left me, he has consented to bestow his company on me for two days.  Will you join us at dinner, Mr Carbury, this evening?’

‘Thank you, madam;—­I have dined.’

’Then, Mr Montague, I will leave you with your friend. ...