He arrived after her, and as there were other guests, she had to wait a little while before she could get a word with him alone.

She was standing in the big hall, which was unoccupied, rather late in the evening, when he came toward her.
"I thought I should never escape from Kettering; but he's safe for a while, talking guns in the smoking-room," he said.
Sylvia thought that they would be safe from interruption for a few minutes, which would serve her purpose.
"So you have managed to get here," she said.
"Had you any doubt of my succeeding ?" Bland asked reproachfully.
"Kettering once gave me a standing invitation, and, as it happens, there's a famous horse dealer in this neighborhood with whom I've had some business.

That and the few Sunday trains formed a good excuse.
I, however, don't mind in the least if Mrs.Kettering attaches any significance to the visit." Sylvia did not wish to arouse the suspicions of her hostess, but she smiled.
"I expected you, and I'm glad you came," she said.
"That's very nice to hear." "Don't take too much for granted.

Still, I thought I'd like to see you, because I'm going to Egypt with Muriel for some time.

Indeed, I shall not be back until the spring." The man displayed dismayed surprise, and Sylvia waited for his answer with some eagerness.