That was all. He did not intend to let her assume so
readily that he had missed the first thought which bubbled forth in
words. She well knew that he was not in Hereford from personal choice,
but she had not meant to tell him that she knew.

"What are you sniggering at?" she demanded imperiously.

"Only at your divination," he answered. "Indeed, if a tire had not
given out soon after I left Whitchurch I would now be well on my way
to the Yat."

Suddenly he recollected the singular outcome of the incident. There
was some reasonable probability that it might exercise a material
effect on the course of events during the next few days.

So, after a little pause, he added: "That is one reason; there are
others."

"Is something detaining you, then?" she asked.

"Yes, a trivial matter, but I shall be at the hotel long before
lunch."

"Mrs. Devar is much better.... She is so sorry I remained indoors this
morning."

"Mrs. Devar is cultivating angelic qualities," he said, but he
murmured under his breath: "The old cat finds now that she has made a
mistake."

"I want you to pay the hotel people for the rooms I reserved but have
not occupied. Then, perhaps, they will hand you any mail that may
have been sent after me. And please give them my address at Chester.
Will you do all that?"

"Certainly. There should be no difficulty."

"Is Hereford looking very lively?"

"It strikes me as peculiarly empty," he said with convincing candor.

"Shall we have time to see all the show places to-morrow?"

"We shall make time."

"Well, good-bye! Bring my letters. I have not heard from my father
since we left Bournemouth."

"Ah, there I have the better of you. I heard of, if not from, my
revered dad since reaching Hereford."

"Unexpectedly?"

"Oh, quite."

"Nothing wrong, I hope?"

"The old gentleman's temper seems to be a trifle out of gear; the
present attack is not serious; he will survive it--for many years, I
trust."

"You must not be flippant where your father is concerned. I believe he
is annoyed because you came away with me, and so failed to keep the
appointment fixed for Saturday in London. Eh? What did you say?"

"I said 'Well, I am surprised,' or words to that effect. As my name is
George I cannot tell a lie, so I must admit regretfully that you have
guessed right. Indeed, Miss Vanrenen, I may go so far as to suggest,
by letter, that before my father condemns me he should first meet you.
Of course, I sha