Most of the conversation passed between him and Miss Ringrose; Eve had fallen into an absent mood, answered carelessly when addressed, laughed without genuine amusement, and sometimes wore the look of trouble which Hilliard had observed whilst in the train.
Before long she declared that it was time to go home.
"What's the hurry ?" said her friend.

"It's nothing like ten o'clock yet--is it, Mr.Hilliard ?" "I don't wish to stay any longer.

Of course you needn't go unless you like, Patty." Hilliard had counted on travelling back with her; to his great disappointment, Eve answered his request to be allowed to do so with a coldly civil refusal which there was no misunderstanding.
"But I hope you will let me see you again ?" "As you live so near me," she answered, "we are pretty sure to meet.
Are you coming or not, Patty ?" "Oh, of course I shall go if you do." The young man shook hands with them; rather formally with Eve, with Patty Ringrose as cordially as if they were old friends.

And then he lost sight of them amid the throng..