There was a cold sunset,--a narrow strip of gold below heavy clouds, like a sullen, half-open eye. The prudent cows dotted the fields motionlessly, lying on their dry bits of grass. The wind blew straight across from the sunset through Lucy's coat, wrap herself in it as tightly as she might, while they loitered among outhouses and examined the durability of the railings. Her headache, in spite of her good night, hadn't gone, and by dinner time her throat felt sore. She said nothing to Wemyss, because she was sure she would be well in the morning. Her colds never lasted. Besides she knew, for he had often told her, how much he was bored by the sick. At dinner her cheeks were very red and her eyes very bright. 'Who's my pretty little girl,' said Wemyss, struck by her. Indeed he was altogether pleased with her. She had been his own Lucy throughout the day, so gentle and sweet, and hadn't once said But, or tried to go out of rooms. Unquestioningly acquiescent she had been; and now so pretty, with the light full on her, showing up her lovely colouring. 'Who's my pretty little girl,' he said again, laying his hand on hers, while Chesterton looked down her nose. Then he noticed she had a knitted scarf round her shoulders, and he said, 'Whatever have you got that thing on in here for?' 'I'm cold,' said Lucy. 'Cold! Nonsense. You're as warm as a toast. Feel my hand compared to yours.' Then she did tell him she thought she had caught cold, and he said, withdrawing his hand and his face falling, 'Well, if you have it's only what you deserve when you recollect what you did yesterday.' 'I suppose it is,' agreed Lucy; and assured him her colds were all over in twenty-four hours. Afterwards in the library when they were alone, she asked if she hadn't better sleep by herself in case he caught her cold, but Wemyss wouldn't hear of such a thing. Not only, he said, he never caught colds and didn't believe any one else who was sensible ever did, but it would take more than a cold to separate him from his wife. Besides, though of course she richly deserved a cold after yesterday--'Who's a shameless little baggage,' he said, pinching her ear, 'coming down with only a blanket on----' somehow, though he had been so angry at the time, the recollection of that pleased him--he could see no signs of her having got one. She didn't sneeze, she didn't blow her nose---- Lucy agreed, and said she didn't suppose it was anything really, and she was sure she would be all right in the morning. 'Yes--and you know we catch the early train up,' said Wemyss. 'Leave here at nine sharp, mind.' 'Yes,' said Lucy. And presently, for she was feeling very uncomfortable and hot and cold in turns, and had a great longing to creep away and be alone for a little while, she said that perhaps, although she knew it was very early, she had better go to bed. 'All right,' said Wemyss, getting up briskly. 'I'll come too.' XXVI