In the meantime they went to luncheon, and there was talk of the repairs wanted in the house, and of what Theo was doing "at home." He was very unwilling, however, to speak of "home," or of what he had begun to do there. He told them indeed of the trees that had been cut down, over which Chatty made many exclamations, mourning for them; but even Chatty was not vigorous in her lamentations. They sat and talked, not interested in anything they were saying, the mother seated between them, watching each, herself scarcely able to keep up the thread of coherent conversation, making now and then incursions on either side from which she was obliged to retreat hurriedly; referring now to some London experience which Chatty's extreme dignity and silence showed she did not want to be mentioned, or to something on the other side from which Theo withdrew with still more distinct reluctance to be put under discussion. It was not till this uncomfortable meal was over that Theo made any further communication about his own affairs. He was on his way to the door, whither his mother had followed him, when he turned round as if accidentally. "By the bye," he said, "I forgot to tell you. _She_ will be here presently, mother. She wanted to lose no time in seeing you." "Lady Markland!" said Mrs. Warrender, with a little start. He fixed his eyes upon her severely. "Who else? She is coming about three. I shall come back, and go home with her." "Theo, before I meet your future wife---- You have never given me any details. Oh, tell me what has happened and what is going to happen. Don't leave me to meet her in ignorance of everything." "What is it you want to know?" he said, with his sombre air, setting his back against the wall. "You know all that I know." "Which is no more than that she has accepted you, Theo." "Well, what more would you have? That is how it stands now, and may for months for anything I can tell." "I should have thought it would have been better to get everything settled quickly. Why should there be any delay?" "Ah, why? You must ask that of Mr. Longstaffe," he said, and turned away.