“But I want to know how you are?” Robert resumed, leaning to her, with his hands on his knees. “Mrs. Stratton’s account is too vaguely ladylike. How, in truth, are you?” A ripple of laughter replied to him. “You show me that you can be mirthful; that is much, no doubt. But you must have a change.” “Am I not having one?” “Oh, I don’t call this a change. You must get fresh air.” Asquith’s way of speaking with her was not quite what it had formerly been. He assumed more of--was it cousinship?--than he had done, Possibly the man himself had undergone certain changes during the last few months. Oriental he had been to a certain extent; something of over-leisureliness had marked his bearing; there had been an aloofness in his way of remarking upon things and people, a kind of mild fatalism in his modes of speech. An English autumn with its moor-sport and the life of country houses; an English winter with growth of acquaintances at hospitable firesides had doubtless not been without their modifying influence; but other reasons were also discoverable for the change in his manner towards Isabel. For one thing, he had heard of her refusal of Lord Winterset; for another, he knew of Ada’s approaching marriage. She made no reply to his advice, and he continued. “You know Henry Calder?” “Well.” “You know that he has been absolutely ruined by a bank failure?” “You don’t say so?” “Indeed. The poor fellow is in a wretched state--utterly broken down; they feared a few weeks ago that he was going crazy. You know that he was great at yachting; of course he has had to sell his yacht, and I have bought it.” “What will you tell me next?” “Why, this. It is essential that poor Calder should get away to the South, and nothing would do him half as much good as a sail among the islands. Now I propose to ask him to accompany me on such a cruise, say at the beginning of next month. He and I have been on the best of terms since we were lads, and there’s no kind of awkwardness in the arrangement; he goes to put me up to the art of seamanship. Of course his wife accompanies him, and probably their eldest girl.” “That’s the kindest thing I have heard for a long time, Robert,” said Isabel, giving him a look of admiration. “Oh dear no; nothing could be simpler. And now--I want you to come with them.” Isabel shook her head. “But what is your objection?” “I cannot leave England at present.” “I don’t ask you to. We are at the middle of January; it will be time enough in three weeks.” “Out of the question.” She still shook her head, smiling. Robert reflected for a moment. “When does this marriage take place?” he asked abruptly. “Very shortly, I suppose. I have written to Mr. Lacour to request him to make arrangements as soon as he likes. I shall meet him in London on Monday.” “Good. Then you are absolutely free.” “I am not free.” He glanced at her inquiringly. “I am not free,” Isabel repeated, looking straight before her.