But what disturbed her most was that Gay's enthusiasm over his opera did not seem so keen as it had been.

She dared not ask him the cause of his depression.

She could only watch his varying moods and hope the melancholy ones would pass.
Hitherto Betty had always been waiting for her to accompany her across the heath, but this last night she was not in her usual place at the door.

Lavinia was not surprised as Betty had a bad cold.

She hurried out, anxious to get home.