Then Mrs.Lessingham rose and left the two together.

Madeline seemed also about to move; she followed the departing lady with her eyes, and at length, as though adding a final remark, said to Clifford: "There are several things you have been so kind as to lend me that I must return before you go, Mr.Marsh.I will make a parcel of them, and a servant shall take them to your room.
"Thank you." Since the quarrel, Madeline had not worn her ring of betrothal, but this was the first time she had spoken of returning presents.
"I am sorry you have had news that disturbed you," she continued, as if in calm friendliness.

"But I dare say it is something you will soon forget.

In future you probably won't think so much of little annoyances." "Probably not." She smiled, and walked away, stopping to glance at a picture before she left the room.

Clifford was left with knitted brows and uneasy mind; he had not believed her capable of this sedateness.