'Yes, on Thursday. It will be much better for her to be away from London. While she is there she never ventures even into the street.'
'Edith, I shall see her before she goes.'
'Will that be wise, sir?'
'Perhaps not. It may be foolish,—very foolish; but still I shall see her. I think you forget, Edith, that I have never yet bidden her farewell. I have not spoken to her since that day when she behaved so generously.'
'I do not think that she expects it, father.'
'No; she expects nothing for herself. Had it been in her nature to expect such a visit, I should not have been anxious to make it. I will go to-morrow. She is always at home you say?'
'Yes, she is always at home.'
'And, Lucius———'
'You will not find him there in the daytime.'
'I shall go to-morrow, dear. You need not tell Peregrine.'
Mrs. Orme still thought that he was wrong, but she had nothing further to say. She could not hinder his going, and therefore, with his permission she wrote a line to Lady Mason, telling her of his purpose. And then, with all the care in her power, and with infinite softness of manner, she warned him against the danger which she so much feared. What might be the result, if, overcome by tenderness, he should again ask Lady Mason to become his wife? Mrs. Orme firmly believed that Lady Mason would again refuse; but, nevertheless, there would be danger.
'No,' said he, 'I will not do that. When I have said so you may accept my word.' Then she hastened to apologize to him, but he assured her with a kiss that he was in nowise angry with her.
He held by his purpose, and on the following day he went up to London. There was nothing said on the matter at breakfast, nor did she make any further endeavour to dissuade him. He was infirm, but still she knew that the actual fatigue would not be of a nature to injure him. Indeed her fear respecting him was rather in regard to his staying at home than to his going abroad. It would have been well for him could he have been induced to think himself fit for more active movement.
Lady Mason was alone when he reached the dingy little room near Finsbury Circus, and received him standing. She was the first to speak, and this she did before she had even touched his hand. She stood to meet him, with her eyes turned to the ground, and her hands tightly folded together before her. 'Sir Peregrine,' she said, 'I did not expect from you this mark of your—kindness.'
'Of my esteem and affection, Lady Mason,' he said. 'We have known each other too well to allow of our parting without a word. I am an old man, and it will probably be for ever.'
