Malcolm only waited to hear how they liked the rooms he had taken before he went back to his hotel; but at their earnest request he promised to have breakfast with them the following morning, and also to take a later train, that they might have time for a good talk.
He kept his appointment punctually, and the conversation of course turned first on Cedric, but Malcolm was somewhat reticent on the subject of that stormy interview in Cheyne Walk.
"One must make allowances under such circumstances, and he was hardly himself that night," was all he said, but they fully understood him.
"Do you think he will get over it ?" asked Dinah anxiously.
"Oh yes, he will get over it--he is so young;" but Malcolm avoided Elizabeth's eyes as he spoke; "youth has immense advantages.

But you must give him time.

If you will take my advice, dear Miss Templeton, you will not watch him too closely, or trouble if you find him a little altered, and not quite the old Cedric.

He will come right by-and-by." "Oh, if I could believe that," wistfully.
"You must make yourself believe it.

Of course he will give you plenty of trouble at first.