uncle is restless and unwell this afternoon, and it will perhaps relieve
him to have your decision."

"What about Mrs. Bollington-Watts?"

Lady Elisabeth glanced at him for a moment. Her eyebrows were slightly
lifted.

"If you can bear to lose her, I'm sure I can. She is really rather a
dear person but she is very intense. She will meet a crowd of people
she knows, directly, and quite forget that we have slipped away. Shall
we go down Birdcage Walk, or if you are in a hurry, perhaps you would
prefer a taxi?"

He shook his head.

"I prefer to walk."

He did not at first prove a very entertaining companion. They proceeded
for some distance almost in silence.

"If I were a curious person," Lady Elisabeth remarked, "I should
certainly be puzzling my brain as to what there could have been about
that very frivolous young man to call such an expression into your face.
And how terrified he was to see you!"

Maraton smiled grimly.

"You have observation, I perceive, Lady Elisabeth."