would not be best to tell his brother everything. But, for the present, her story was enough. They turned into Pall Mall, and, almost immediately, Arthur's hat was in his hand, and he was on the edge of the pavement, colouring with pleasure. A small victoria had pulled up by the side, and Paul found himself face to face with Adrea. She was muffled up in rich brown furs, and almost invisible, but her dark eyes flashed into his from underneath her thick veil. After the first greeting she scarcely noticed Arthur; it was Paul upon whom her eyes were bent. "You are in London again, then, Mr. de Vaux," she remarked. "Have you discovered that, after all, the country is a little triste in this land of damp and fogs—the country in November, I mean—or is it only important business which has brought you up!" "The latter," he answered, "as it happens. I am glad to see that the damp and fogs which you complain of have not affected your health." "I am quite well, thanks," she answered. "How long are you staying in town?" "For less than a week, I think." [pg 89] [pg 89] "Well, it is too cold to talk here. Will you come and let me give you some tea this afternoon, after the fashion of you strange islanders? I want you to, please." Paul looked her straight in the face. "You are very kind; I shall be glad to," he answered. She nodded. "About five o'clock. I go to sleep till then. Shall you come, Arthur?" she added carelessly. "I cannot, so late as that," he answered despondently. "Ah, I forgot. You are going down to Aldershot, aren't you? Don't overwork yourself." She nodded, and the carriage drove on. Arthur watched it until it was out of sight. "She might have said a little earlier," he remarked despondently. "She knew I couldn't come so late as that." Paul passed his arm through his brother's and was silent. He knew very well that Adrea had thought of this when she had made the arrangement. They lunched together, and Paul did his utmost to make the time pass pleasantly for his brother. When they parted, too, late in the
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