Anne told him of what Lord Hartledon had said to her that day; and Val coloured with shame at the sullenness he had displayed, and his heart went into a glow of repentance.

Had he met his brother then, he had clasped his hand, and poured forth his contrition.
He met some one else instead, almost immediately.

It was Dr.Ashton, coming for Anne.

Percival was not wanted now: was not invited to continue his escort.

A cold, civil word or two passed, and Val struck across the grove into the high-road, and returned to Hartledon.
He was about to turn in at the lodge-gates with his usual greeting to Mrs.Capper when his attention was caught by a figure coming down the avenue.