He unconsciously
stiffened.
"He is very kind," he said rather formally; "but of course I meant
to call, or at least leave my card--I had just told your sister so."
"Perhaps you had better call at the vicarage first," returned
Elizabeth hurriedly. "Mr. Carlyon is rarely out of his room before
mid-day, and all hours are alike to Mr. Charrington." And when
Malcolm had gravely agreed to do this, Elizabeth went upstairs to
prepare for dinner, and did not appear again until the gong sounded.
She did not forget her promise, however, of taking Cedric off
Dinah's hands, and as soon as they had finished their coffee she
challenged him to a game of chess in the inner drawing-room, where
on cold nights a second fire generally burned.
The rooms were so large that unless Dinah and Malcolm raised their
voices it was impossible to hear their conversation, and as Cedric
had his back to them he had no idea that they were talking more
confidentially than usual; but from Malcolm's position Elizabeth's
face stood out in full relief, and in spite of all his efforts his
attention often wandered.
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