The wise plan was to leave the situation open in every direction, so that he could freely advance or freely retreat as unfolding events might dictate.

So he turned in the direction of the Severence house, walked at his usual tearing pace, arrived there somewhat wilted of collar and exceedingly dusty of shoe and trouser-leg.
Greater physical contrast could hardly have been than that between him and Margaret, descending to him in the cool garden where he was mopping himself and dusting his shoes, all with the same handkerchief.

She was in a graceful walking costume of pale blue, scrupulously neat, perfect to the smallest detail.

As she advanced she observed him with eyes that nothing escaped; and being in one of her exquisite moods, when the senses are equally quick to welcome the agreeable or to shrink from the disagreeable, she had a sense of physical repugnance.

He saw her the instant she came out of the house.