"I see."

"No you don't see at all. There's a telegram; I'm not driving for
pleasure--"

She had not meant that either, and it annoyed her that she had expressed
herself in such terms. As a matter of fact, at the telegraphed request
of Mr. Quarrier, she was going to Black Fells Crossing to meet his train
from the Lakes and drive him back to Shotover. The drive, therefore, was
of course a drive for pleasure.

"I see," repeated Siward amiably.

"Perhaps you do," she observed, rising to her graceful height. He was on
his feet at once, so carelessly, so good-humouredly acquiescent that
without any reason at all she hesitated.

"I had meant to show you about--the cliffs--the kennels and stables; I'm
sorry," she concluded, lingering.

"I'm awfully sorry," he rejoined without meaning anything in particular.
That was the trouble, whatever he said, apparently meant so much.

With the agreeable sensation of being regretted, she leisurely gloved
herself, then walked through the gun-room and hall, Siward strolling
beside her.

The dog followed them as they turned toward the door and passed out
across the terraced veranda to the driveway where a Tandem cart was