After a little while he followed, pursuing his way very leisurely to his
own quarters. Half an hour later when she emerged with her maid, Selwyn
was not waiting for her as usual; and, scarcely understanding that she
was finding an excuse for lingering, she stood for ten minutes on the
step of the Orchils' touring-car, talking to Gladys about the lantern
fete and dance to be given that night at Hitherwood House.
Evidently Selwyn had already gone home. Gerald came lagging up with
Sheila Minster; but his sister did not ask him whether Selwyn had gone.
Yesterday she would have done so; but to-day had brought to her the
strangest sensation of her young life--a sudden and overpowering fear of
a friend; and yet, strangest of all, the very friend she feared she was
waiting for--contriving to find excuses to wait for. Surely he could not
have finished dressing and have gone. He had never before done that. Why
did he not come? It was late; people were leaving the pavilion;
victorias and beach-phaetons were trundling off loaded to the water-line
with fat dowagers; gay groups passed, hailing her or waving adieux;
Drina drove up in her village-cart, calling out: "Are you coming,
Eileen, or are you going to walk over? Hurry up! I'm hungry.
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