A large Nuneham party had been arranged by the Mansons for the following day in honour of the ex-Ambassador and his wife, who were prolonging their stay in Christ Church so as to enjoy the river and an Oxford without crowds or functions.

Falloden was invited, and he knew that Constance had been asked.

In his bitterness of the day before, after their quarrel in the wood, he had said to himself that he would certainly go down before the party.

Now he thought he would stay.
Suddenly, as he was walking back along the Cherwell edge of the park, under a grey sky with threatening clouds, he became aware of a lady in front of him.

Annoying or remorseful thought became in a moment excitement.