She went to get ready, and presently returned wearing a small hat which became her as well as the wide-brimmed one in which he had seen her the other morning. She carried a heavy cloak over her arm, and seemed to find it difficult to button her gloves. Finally she held out her hand to Jimmy, who lingered over the process; but by and by they went down-stairs together, out into the street, and he put her into the car, tucking the fur rug about her before taking his seat by her side. Colonel Faversham was at church with Carrissima, looking forward during the Lessons to the afternoon, when he intended to reach Golfney Place by half-past three. CHAPTER XV MARK MAKES A BEGINNING Colonel Faversham, without being a bigoted Sabbatarian, liked to make a difference between Sunday and the other six days. He always expected a rather more elaborate dinner and never failed to go to sleep after luncheon. He allowed himself an extra cigar or two, and, in short, deprecated anything which threatened to disturb his peace. During the last few days his mind, chiefly owing to lapse of time, had been easier concerning Bridget. Without being demonstratively affectionate, she appeared as cheerful as ever, so that he reached Number 5, Golfney Place at half-past three this afternoon with every hope of spending an agreeable hour or two in her presence. "Hullo!" he exclaimed, before he had been many minutes in the room, "wild flowers!" "I think they must be," said Bridget, with a laugh. "They look fresh!" "They ought to be," she answered. "They were growing an hour or two ago." "In the country?" suggested the colonel. "Wouldn't it be lovely if one could pick primroses and marsh marigolds in London!" said Bridget. "Bridget," cried Colonel Faversham, "I believe you take a delight in teasing me. I suppose the people of the house gave them to you!" "How much I should like to have a motor-car," she said suddenly. "Why not?" he demanded. "Why shouldn't you have a motor-car? I often wonder I've never gone in for one before now. Bridget, there are few things you shan't have when once you're my wife." She leaned back in her chair, biting her nether lip, and every now and then glancing reflectively at the colonel, as if in hesitation. "Such a delightful ride!" she cried a few minutes later. "Eh--what--when?" he said. "This morning, of course. Jimmy took me by surprise. He called for me shortly after eleven. I couldn't resist going. We went through some of the loveliest Surrey villages." "What about lunch?" asked Colonel Faversham, with difficulty bottling up his wrath. "Oh, we stopped at the sweetest little inn that seemed to be miles away from everywhere and everybody. Of course, we hadn't much time to spare."