That promise she had deliberately broken.
Though he could not understand her, he made pretence of unconcern.

He regretted that she had not felt well last night--that was all.
At the end of the cloister young Gellatly found one of Lady Murie's guests, a girl named Violet Priest, with whom he had danced a good deal on the previous night, and at once attached himself to her, leaving Walter with the sweet-faced, slim-waisted object of his affections.
The moment they were alone in the long cloister he asked her quickly, "Tell me, Gabrielle, the real reason why you did not come last night.

I had looked forward very much to seeing you.

But I was disappointed -- sadly disappointed." "I am very sorry," she laughed, with assumed nonchalance; "but I had to assist my father with some business papers." "Your mother told everyone that you do not care for dancing," he said.
"That is untrue, Walter.

I love dancing." "I knew it was untrue, dearest," he said, standing before her.