Then, if you like, we might come back here for half-an-hour.
Or--" She hesitated.
"I am horribly sorry," he declared, in a tone which was full of real regret.

"Indeed, Violet, I am.

But I have an appointment which I must keep, and I can't tell exactly how long it may take me." The very fact that the nature of that appointment concerned things which from the first he had made up his mind must be kept entirely secret, stiffened his tone.

Her manner changed instantly.

She had drawn herself a little away.