And it ended with a promise that Cecily would come to the villa that afternoon.

This was communicated to Eleanor.
"Where's Mallard, I wonder ?" said Spence, when his wife came to talk to him.

"Not, I suspect, at the old quarters, It would be like him to go off somewhere without a word.

Confound that fellow Elgar!" "I'm half disposed to think that it serves Mr.Mallard right," was Eleanor's remark.
"Well, for heartlessness commend me to a comfortable woman." "And for folly commend me to a strong-minded man." "Pooh! He'll growl and mutter a little, and then get on with his painting." "If I thought so, my liking for him would diminish.

I hope he is tearing his hair." "I shall go seek him." "Do; and give my best love to him, poor fellow." Cecily came alone.