No one was visible in all its green length.
They stood ensiled by summer; the great trees mounting guard.

Helena threw a glance to right and left.
"Well, then--to keep you quiet--_sans prejudice_!" She demurely offered her cheek.

But his lips were scarcely allowed to touch it, she drew away so quickly.
"Now, then, that's quite settled!" she said in her most matter-of-fact voice.

"Such a comfort! Let's go back." They turned back along the avenue, a rather flushed pair, enjoying each other's society, and discussing the dance, and their respective partners.
It happened, however, that this little scene--at its most critical point--had only just escaped a spectator.

Philip Buntingford passed across the further end of the avenue on his way to the Horne Farm, at the moment when Helena and Geoffrey turned their backs to him, walking towards the house.