THE STOEP When I reached Miss Heda she was collecting half-opened monthly roses from the hedge, and not quite knowing what to say I made the appropriate quotation.

At least it was appropriate to my thought, and, from her answer, to hers also.
"Yes," she said, "I am gathering them while I may," and she sighed and, as I thought, glanced towards the verandah, though of this I could not be sure because of the wide brim of the hat she was wearing.
Then we talked a little on indifferent matters, while I pricked my fingers helping to pluck the roses.

She asked me if I thought that Anscombe was getting on well, and how long it would be before he could travel.

I replied that Dr.Rodd could tell her better than myself, but that I hoped in about a week.
"In a week!" she said, and although she tried to speak lightly there was dismay in her voice.
"I hope you don't think it too long," I answered; "but even if he is fit to go, the oxen have not come yet, and I don't quite know when they will." "Too long!" she exclaimed.

"Too long! Oh! if you only knew what it is to me to have such guests as you are in this place," and her dark eyes filled with tears.
By now we had passed to the side of the house in search of some other flower that grew in the shade, I think it was mignonette, and were out of sight of the verandah and quite alone.
"Mr.Quatermain," she said hurriedly, "I am wondering whether to ask your advice about something, if you would give it.