And it was at this point that Phyllis came up. Was there no expression of suspicion on her face as she looked at them standing together? If there was, they failed to notice it. “I came out to get a rose,” she said. “How quickly you dressed, Ella! Ah, you have got your rose--a beauty! Your gardener is generous; he actually allows you to pluck your own roses.” “Mr. Courtland will choose one for you,” said Ella. “You may trust Mr. Courtland.” “To choose me a rose? Well, on that recommendation, Mr. Courtland, I think I may safely place myself in your hands. I will accept a rose of your choosing.” And she did. CHAPTER XXXII. LET THEM BOTH GO TOGETHER TO PERDITION. There could be no doubt whatever that, after all, he had not proposed to her. That was what Herbert Courtland’s fellow-guests said when they learned that he had left for London by an early train on Monday morning. And the way she had thrown herself at his head, too! Of course she pretended not to feel his departure any more than the rest of the party; and equally as a matter of course, Mrs. Linton protested that Mr. Courtland had disappointed her. And perhaps he had, too, some of the guests whispered to one another. Mr. Linton shrugged his shoulders and remarked that business was business. Everyone agreed with the general accuracy of this assertion, but it was not one that required much boldness to make, and what it had to do with Mr. Courtland’s hurried departure no one seemed quite able to perceive. The general idea that had prevailed at The Mooring on the subject of Mr. Courtland was that he would remain at the house after all the other guests--Miss Ayrton only excepted--had left. During Monday several were to return to town, and the remainder on Tuesday, including Miss Ayrton. She required to do so to be in time for a grand function at which Royalty was to be present on that night. Mrs. Linton herself meant to return on Wednesday afternoon. It was late on Sunday night when Herbert had gone to Ella’s side and told her that he found it necessary to leave for town early in the morning instead of waiting until Tuesday evening. “Good Heavens!” she cried; “what is the meaning of this? What will people say? You do not mean to tell me that she--she----Oh, no; that would be impossible!” “Nothing is impossible,” said he. “Nothing--not even my running away.” “You have told her----” “I have told her nothing. I am not sure that I have anything to tell her. I am going away to make sure.” “Oh! very well. But I must say that I think you are wrong--quite wrong. There is that Mr. Holland; he is coming into greater prominence than ever since that article of his appeared in the _Zeit Geist_. Stephen says he will certainly have to leave the Church.” “What has Mr. Holland got to say to----”