That did not matter; her life was innocent, and Widdowson might watch her coming and going as much as he would.
At length, about nine o'clock one evening, she came face to face with him.

It was in Hampstead Road; she had been buying at a draper's, and carried the little parcel.

At the moment of recognition, Widdowson's face so flushed and brightened that Monica could not help a sympathetic feeling of pleasure.
'Why are you so cruel to me ?' he said in a low voice, as she gave her hand.

'What a time since I saw you!' 'Is that really true ?' she replied, with an air more resembling coquetry than any he had yet seen in her.
'Since I spoke to you, then.' 'When did you see me ?' 'Three evenings ago.

You were walking in Tottenham Court Road with a young lady.' 'Miss Vesper, the friend I live with.' 'Will you give me a few minutes now ?' he asked humbly.