"I've done nothing except--of course I cared--because of--because I did."
Why couldn't she say straight out because you are going to marry her, but she couldn't.
"That is the secret, I suppose that caring doesn't always answer--anyhow, Toney, I hope by the time I come back the Stone House will be built."
"Oh! it will take a year, a long year," sighed Toney. Everything looked grey and dull.
"Yes, I shall be away as long as that, and when I return there will be changes I expect. Most likely you will be----"
"Oh, I shan't go and kill anything," interrupted Toney laughing, and determined she would be natural. "Of course Maud and your aunt and Mrs. Hamilton will be very dull without you--and there are your poor people."
"Honour bright, Toney, I have thought of them. Selby has _carte blanche_ to do anything he can. But there are some farms unlet, and the estate is not improving."
"When you have shot enough lions you will come back?"
"I must--of course---- Now, good-bye, I mustn't stay here talking."
"Only two days and three-quarters more. How strange! I wish we lived in the Middle Ages, and you were going to the Holy Land to shoot the Turks," said Toney thoughtfully.
"Lions are more troublesome. I shall have time to think anyhow."
"Will you write sometimes?" said Toney slowly.
"I'm afraid I shan't have time--and there might be----"
"Oh, I see, jealousies at Waycott Hall. Of course. Maud says you don't like writing letters, but of course you'll write to her."
"She'll write to me! and I shall hear all the news. Good-bye, Toney."
"Oh, we shall meet again." Toney's heart went thump, thump!
"Perhaps, but I have so little time that perhaps--we shan't."
They shook hands quite solemnly, and parted without another word.
To Toney the next two days passed as if the hours were leaden-footed, for no Lewis appeared again. She was very restless and immensely busy. Her energy was appalling, and Mr. Russell showed signs of rebellion. His young mistress heaped work upon him, for the Stone House was really begun, and the parish was invaded by workmen. Toney realised at once that there was not enough accommodation for them, and had ready-made Norwegian cottages sent down by return from a firm who kept them in sections on the premises. The contractor thought the heiress was mad to bother about the men, but he found it vastly convenient and so did the men!