And, indeed, it did not much matter now whether he met his friends or not; he had spoken the word--to-morrow he would go his way.
At the very moment of thinking this thought, when his cigar was nearly finished and he had begun to stretch his limbs, wearied by remaining in one position, shadows and footsteps approached him.

He looked up, and-- "Mr.Mallard! So we have caught you at last! It only needed this to complete our enjoyment.

Now you will go across to Raise with us." Cecily, with Mrs.Baske and Spence.

She had run eagerly forward, and her companions were advancing at a more sober pace.

Mallard rose with his grim smile, and of course forgot that it is customary to doff one's beaver when ladies approach; he took the offered hand, said "How do you do ?" and turned to the others.
"A fair capture!" exclaimed Spence.