"I have seen her, however." "She is very beautiful, don't you think ?" persisted Sara.
"Very," he replied indifferently.

And then, quite deliberately, he directed the conversation into another channel, leaving Sara feeling exactly as though a door had been slammed in her face.
It was his old method of putting an end to a discussion that failed to please him--this arrogantly abrupt transition to another subject--and, though it served its immediate purpose, it was a method that had its weaknesses.

If you deliberately hide behind a hedge, any one who catches you in the act naturally wonders why you are doing it.
Even Miles looked a trifle astonished at Trent's curt dismissal of the Durward topic, and Sara, who had observed the strange expression that leaped into his eyes--half-guarded, half inimical--felt convinced that he knew more about the Durwards than he had chosen to acknowledge.
She could not imagine in what way they were connected with his life, nor why he should have been so averse to admitting his knowledge of them.
But there were many inexplicable circumstances associated with the man who had chosen to live more or less the life of a recluse at Far End; and Sara, and the little circle of intimates who had at last succeeded in drawing him into their midst, had accustomed themselves to the atmosphere of secrecy that seemed to envelope him.
From his obvious desire to eschew the society of his fellow men and women, and from the acid cynicism of his outlook on things in general, it had been gradually assumed amongst them that some happenings in the past had marred his life, poisoning the springs of faith, and hope, and charity at their very fount, and with the tact of real friendship they never sought to discover what he so evidently wished concealed.
"Where is Molly to-day ?" Miles's pleasant voice broke across the awkward moment, giving yet a fresh trend to the conversation that was languishing uncomfortably.
Sara's gaze ranged searchingly over the little groups of people sprinkled about the lawn.
"Isn't she here yet ?" she asked, startled.

"She was coming back from Oldhampton by the afternoon train, and promised to meet me here." Miles looked at his watch.
"The attractions of Oldhampton have evidently proved too strong for her," he said a little drily.

"If she had come by the afternoon train, she would have been here an hour ago." Sara looked troubled.
"Oh, but she _must_ be here--somewhere," she insisted rather anxiously.
"Shall I see if I can find her for you ?" suggested Trent stiffly.
Sara, sensing his wish to be gone and genuinely disturbed at Molly's non-appearance, acquiesced.
"I should be very glad if you would," she answered.