"I think I shall take a gun now and stroll down the meadows and across the rough ground.

Will you come with me, or will you put on one of your pretty gowns and entertain me downstairs at luncheon?
It is a very long time since we had a meal alone together." She shook her head a little sadly.
"We never have had," she answered.

"You know that, Everard, and alas! I know it.

But we are going on pretending, aren't we ?" He raised her fingers to his lips and kissed them.
"You shall pretend all that you like, dear Rosamund," he promised, "and I will be the shadow of your desires.

No! No tears!" he added quickly, as she turned away.