Her cheeks flushed, for she had been walking in deep thought.

It seemed to her for an instant as if the subject of her preoccupation could be read upon her face.
'Where have you been ?' Mutimer asked, indifferently.
'For a walk.

Into the wood.' He was examining her, for the disquiet of her countenance could not escape his notice.
'Why did you go alone?
It would have done Alice good to get her out a little.' 'I'm afraid she wouldn't have come.' He hesitated.
'Has she been saying anything to you ?' 'Only that she is troubled and anxious.' They walked on together in silence, Mutimer with bowed head and knitted brows..