Peter still slept, looking so innocent and infantine in his sleep that no one had the heart to wake him.

French and Helena were left together, and were soon driven by the advancing sun to the deep shade of a lime-avenue, which, starting from the back of the house, ran for half a mile through the park.

Here they were absolutely alone.

Lady Mary's prying eyes were defeated, and Helena incidentally remarked that Mrs.Friend, being utterly "jacked up," had been bullied into staying in bed till luncheon.
So that in the green sunflecked shadow of the limes, Geoffrey had--if Helena so pleased--a longer _tete-a-tete_ before him, and a more generous opportunity, even, than the gods had given him on the lake.

His pulses leapt; goaded, however, by alternate hope and fear.