If it did, I should see nothing of him, his leave is so short.

That's why I told Mary to say 'not at home.' But an old friend like you--Would you like to see him ?" Marigold closed the bonnet and stood up with a grimace which passed for a happy smile.
"I should, of course," said I, politely.

"But I quite understand.

You have everything to say to each other.No.I won't stay"-- Marigold's smile faded into woodenness--"I only turned in idly to see how you were getting on.

But just tell me.