Harry looked at her with an expression that puzzled her; it almost seemed like resentment, though the idea was surely absurd. Miss Vintry said nothing; she stood by in silent composure. "You're thinking of--of coming to Meriton?" "I had an idea of it, for a week or two. I'm doing nothing, you know. Sally would come with me." "I should think you'd find it awfully dull," said Harry. The Nun could not make him out. Was he ashamed of her? Did he not want her to know Miss Wellgood, his _fiancée_? It almost looked like that. The Nun was a little hurt. She was aware that certain people held certain views; but Harry was an old, old friend. "Well, if I do come and find it dull, you needn't feel responsible. You haven't pressed me, have you?" and with a little laugh she went back to more expansive friends. "That'd make another of them, and she's infernally sharp!" Harry said to Isobel Vintry, in that low careful voice to which he was nowadays so much addicted. "Oh well, we can't keep it up this way long anyhow," she answered, and sauntered off to join Vivien. With Billy, with Andy, as with old Jack, the Nun found enthusiasm enough and to spare. "How perfectly ripping an idea!" cried Billy. "Because Harry's governor had asked me to stay a fortnight at Halton, and do half a dozen more meetings; and I'm going to. And Andy'll be down here too. Why, we shall all be together! You come, Doris!" Her hurt feelings found expression. "Harry didn't seem to want me when I spoke to him about it." Billy Foot looked at her curiously. "Oh, didn't he?" Andy had moved off with Jack Rock. "It's a funny thing, but I don't think he wants me at Halton. He was far from enthusiastic. If you ask me, Doris, there's something wrong with him. Overworked, I suppose. Oh, but he can't be; these little meetings are no trouble." "If I want to come, I shall. Only one doesn't like the idea that one's friends are ashamed--" "Oh, rot, it can't be that! That's not a bit like Harry." "He's engaged now, you know." "Well, I can't see why that should make any difference. He's got the blues over something or other; never mind him. You come, you and Sally." She lowered her voice. "Can it be because of poor old Sally?" "Oh, I don't think so. He's always been awfully kind about that wretched old business." "It's something," she persisted with a vexed frown. Vivien Wellgood came up to them with Andy. "Mr. Hayes tells me you may possibly come to Meriton for a stay, Miss Flower. I do hope you will. The Lion's quite good, and we'll all do all we can to amuse you, if only you'll sing to us just now and then. Do say you'll come; don't only think about it!" "Your being so kind makes me want to come more," said the Nun. "Oh, and I do congratulate you, Miss Wellgood. I hope you'll be ever so happy." "Thank you. I hope so," said Vivien softly, her eyes assuming their veiled look.