“Oh, I’d rather stay! I shan’t speak,” she said.

At half-past four she crept out. Her stealthy departure irritated him. He wanted to tell her to walk like a reasonable being, but he checked the impulse, for fear of hurting her feelings. She re-appeared presently, bringing him some tea.

“Thanks,” he said curtly, and allowed it to grow cold. Not until after six did he awake from his abstraction; then he found that Elizabeth was still in the room.

“Darling, you haven’t been here all the time?”

“Yes, I have. I liked it.”

“I wish you wouldn’t, babe. I don’t want you to stuff indoors just because the spirit moves me. It worries me.”

“I’ve been quite happy,” she repeated.

Soon their neighbours began to call. The first of them was Nina Trelawney, who came quickly up the drive one afternoon on an informal visit. She found Elizabeth under the cedar-tree on the lawn, and went to her.

“I’m sure you’re Elizabeth!” she said, as soon as she was near enough for her voice to be heard. “You answer so exactly to Stephen’s description. I’m Nina Trelawney. If he hasn’t told you of me, it’s extremely objectionable of him. How do you do?”

Elizabeth shook hands nervously.

“Yes, of course my husband has spoken of you,” she said conventionally. “How kind of you to come and see me! Won’t you sit down?”

Nina chose a deck chair, and sank into it.

“This isn’t a really, truly call,” she explained, with a friendly smile. “I’m coming with my mother to leave cards in the approved manner very soon. I felt I couldn’t wait until then, though, so I came to-day, just to say how awfully glad I am that you and Stephen have arrived. Oh, and to extend a welcome! Isn’t that a lovely expression? I found it in a book. How is Stephen?”

“Very well, thank you. Very busy too. You’ll stay to tea with me, won’t you?”

“Thanks, I hoped you’d ask me to. I was awfully sorry I couldn’t come to your wedding. I had the accursed plague, you know. ’Flu. Mother told me that it was a charming affair, which made it much worse for me, not being there. Is Stephen working now? Can I shout to him in a loud voice?”

“Oh, no!” Elizabeth said earnestly. “He hates to be disturbed!”

Nina looked at her, then at the end of her sunshade, with which she was prodding the ground.

“Yes, I know, but don’t you think it’s good for him?”

“I wouldn’t interrupt his work for worlds,” Elizabeth said. “I—I suppose you’ve known him for a long time?”