His eyes, not his lips told her the reason why.
Their talk skimmed the surface of vital things--the new awakening in England; the threatenings of a socialistic upheaval; his individual aims and ideas--she recognised her own inspirations.

He spoke of his political ambitions.

Suddenly she said: 'I wonder why you made the break of coming out to Australia--why you did not stay in England and follow on your career ?' 'There are bonds stronger than cart ropes which may drag a man by force from the path he has marked out for himself.

Surely you must understand ?' 'Really, Mr Maule.' 'Why will you be so formal!' he interrupted impetuously.

'It is absurd.
Women nowadays always call men they know well by a PETIT NOM.' 'Do I know you well! I often think I never knew you at all.' 'That is what Lady Tallant used to say to me, latterly, about you and myself--that we never really knew each other.' 'Oh, poor Rosamond! It makes me miserable to think of her.