You have been very forbearing; you have done all I asked.

That is why I know you will bear with a little delay, when it's needful." He made a sign of reluctant assent; and then, to his annoyance, two figures emerged from the shadow of the trees not far away.

There was nothing to do except to move on, but he thrilled at the slight, grateful pressure of Sylvia's hand upon his arm.
"My dear," he said, "I wish most devoutly that West or Mrs.Lansing had been lame." Sylvia broke into a ripple of laughter, which somehow seemed to draw them closer.

At Herbert's gate they separated, and Bland walked on in an exultant mood which was broken by fits of thoughtfulness.

Sylvia had tacitly pledged herself to him, but he was still her unacknowledged lover and the position was irksome.