He saw that she was
silent and absent-minded, and guessed uneasily at the cause. It was
impossible that any woman of her type, who had gone through the
experience that she had, should remain unmoved by the accounts now
current as to Oliver Marsham's state.
As they returned across the lawn to the house the two lovers came out to
meet them. Sir James saw the look with which Diana watched them coming.
It seemed to him one of the sweetest and one of the most piteous he had
ever seen on a human face.
"I shall descend upon you next week," said Lady Niton abruptly, as Diana
made her farewells. "I shall be at Tallyn."
Diana did not reply. The little _fiancee_ insisted on the right to take
her to her pony-carriage, and kissed her tenderly before she let her go.
Diana had already become as a sister to her and Bobbie, trusted in their
secrets and advising in their affairs.
Lady Niton, standing by Sir James, looked after her.
"Well, there's only one thing in the world that girl wants; and I
suppose nobody in their senses ought to help her to it."
"What do you mean?"
She murmured a few words in his ear.
"Not a bit of it!" said Sir James, violently.
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