' Ah, we are genuine travellers,' said Sybil. ' Come, too. Ginger.'
' Do I look like it?'
' No; but one never knows with you. Judy dear, would not a good brisk walk do you good?'
' I shouldn't wonder,' said Judy; ' but I shall never know.'
Sybil put up her parasol.
' Come, Charlie,' she said.
They walked off together in the shadow of the big elm avenue that led down to the village. The huge boskage of the trees allowed no inter-penetrating ray of sun to reach them, and in the silence and sleep of the hot summer afternoon they seemed to Charlie to be very specially alone. This feeling was emphasized, no doubt, to his mind by the refusal of the others to accompany them.
' Really, Gallio always succeeds in making himself comfortable,' said she. ' What more can anyone want than a charming house like this? It is so absurd to desire more than you can use. It is a mistake the whole world makes, except, perhaps, Judy.'
' I don't think Ginger does,' said Charlie.
' Oh yes; he desires, at least, to say more than he means. Consequently people attach no importance to what he says.'
Charlie laughed.
' Which, being interpreted, means that Ginger has been saying something which you are afraid is correct.'
Sybil Massington stopped.
' Charlie, for a man you have a good deal of intuition. That is partly what makes me never think of you as a man. You are so like a woman in many ways.'
' I am wanting to have a last word.'
' Last word! What last word?'
' A last word with you, Sybil,' he said; ' I shall never bother you again.'
