It had brought the Sarratts and Bridget from Rydal, and was to take Bridget home, dropping the Sarratts at Grasmere for an evening walk.

Sir William tried indeed to persuade them to stay longer, till a signal from his cousin Hester stopped him; 'Well, if you must go, you must,' he said, regretfully.

'Cicely, you must arrange with Mrs.
Sarratt, when she will pay us a visit--and'-- he looked uncertainly round him, as though he had only just remembered Bridget's existence--'of course your sister must come too.' Cicely came forward, and with a little lisp, repeated her brother's invitation--rather perfunctorily.
Sir William took his guests to their car, and bade a cordial farewell to Sarratt.
'Good-bye--and good luck.

What shall I wish you?
The D.S.O., and a respectable leave before the summer's over?
You will be in for great things.' Sarratt shook his head.
'Not till we get more guns, and tons more shell!' 'Oh, the country's waking up!' 'It's about time!' said Sarratt, gravely, as he climbed into the car.
Sir William bent towards him.
'Anything that we can do to help your wife and her sister, during their stay here, you may be sure we shall do.' 'It's very kind of you,' said the young officer gratefully, as he grasped Farrell's hand.

And Nelly sent a shy glance of thanks towards the speaker, while Bridget sat erect and impassive.
Sir William watched them disappear, and then returned to the tea-room.
He was received with a burst of laughter from his sister.
'Well, Willy, so you're caught--fairly caught! What am I to do?
When am I to ask her?
And the sister too ?' And lighting another cigarette, Cicely looked at her brother with mocking eyes.
Farrell reddened a little, but kept his temper.
'In a week or two I should think, you might ask her, when she's got over her husband's going away.' 'They get over it very soon--in general,' said Cicely coolly.
'Not that sort.' The voice was Captain Marsworth's.
Cicely appeared to take no notice.