er.

He walked about the beach in a piping wind, waved his arms, talked to
himself, now and then raised a great shout. And that night he slept
soundly.

CHAPTER 28

He got back to Fulham Road in time for the press of Saturday night.
Allchin declared that he looked much better, and customers were once
more gratified by Mr. Jollyman's studious civility. On Sunday morning
he wrote a long letter to Sherwood, which, for lack of other address,
he sent to the care of Godfrey's relative in Wales. This was something
done. In the afternoon he took a long walk, which led him through the
Holland Park region. He called to see Franks, but the artist was not at
home; so he left a card asking for news. And the next day brought
Franks' telegraphic reply. "Nothing definite yet. Shall come to see you
late one of these evenings. I have not been to Walham Green." Though he
had all but persuaded himself that he cared not at all, one way or the
other, this message did Warburton good. Midway in the week, business
being slack, he granted himself a half holiday, and went to Ashtead,
merely in friendliness to Ralph Pomfret--so he said to himself.

From Ashtead station to the Pomfrets' house was a good twenty minutes'
walk. As he strode along, eyes upon the ground, Will all at once saw
the path darkened by a shadow; he then became conscious of a female
figure just in front of him, and heedlessly glancing at the face, was
arrested by a familiar smile.

"You were coming to see us?" asked Miss Elvan, offering her hand. "What
a pity that I have to go to town! Only just time to catch the train."

"Then I'll walk back to the station with you--may I?"

"I shall be delighted, if you don't mind the trouble. I have an
appointment with Miss Cross. She has found rooms which she thinks will
suit me, and we're going to look at them together."

"So you have decided for London?"

"I think so. The rooms are at Chelsea, in Oakley Crescent. I know how
fond you are of London, and how well you know it. And I know so little;
only a street or two here and there. I mean to remedy my ignorance. If
ever you have an afternoon to spare, Mr. Warburton, I should be so glad
if you would let me go with you to see interesting places."

For an instant, Will was surprised, confused, but Rosamund's entire
simplicity and directness of manner rebuked this sensation. He replied
in a corresponding tone that nothing would please him more. They were
now at the railway