.

THE RETARDED COURTSHIP.
Carinthia reached Esslemont near noon.

She came on foot, and had come unaccompanied, stick in hand, her dress looped for the roads.

Madge bustled her shorter steps up the park beside her; Fleetwood met her on the terrace.
'No one can be spared at Croridge,' she said.

'I go back before dark.' Apology was not thought of; she seemed wound to the pitch.
He bowed; he led into the morning-room.