There was a threatening growl, a commanding exclamation, and an unaccountable pause, at the expiration of which she found herself supine on the sward, with her parasol between her eyes and the sun.

A sudden scoop of Max's wet warm tongue in her right ear startled her into activity.

She sat up, and saw Trefusis on his knees at her side holding the parasol with an unconcerned expression, whilst Max was snuffing at her in restless anxiety opposite.
"I must go home," she said.

"I must go home instantly." "Not at all," said Trefusis, soothingly.

"They have just sent word to say that everything is settled satisfactorily and that you need not come." "Have they ?" she said faintly.