He was telling her that he had taken a cottage in Norfolk, and she was saying that she knew, or did not know, that particular neighborhood.

But after a moment's attention her mind flew to Rodney, and she had an unusual, indeed unprecedented, sense that they were in touch and shared each other's thoughts.

If only Ralph were not there, she would at once give way to her desire to take William's hand, then to bend his head upon her shoulder, for this was what she wanted to do more than anything at the moment, unless, indeed, she wished more than anything to be alone--yes, that was what she wanted.

She was sick to death of these discussions; she shivered at the effort to reveal her feelings.

She had forgotten to answer.