"Yes, in a slanting line, from the tree toward the house."
"Yes, and from Roberts too. You see, she must have turned. It was a fine thing. Well, I must get back; I'm busy with all the preparations for this affair. Good-day, Mr. Hume. Very kind of you to come and see us."
"I'm so glad to find Miss Delane better."
"Yes, she's better, thanks, but not herself yet, by any means. Good-day."
Philip went home, lit a pipe, and drew a neat little plan of the scene which had just been so carefully described to him. By the time the drawing was made the pipe was finished, and he was obliged to light another, which he consumed while he sat gazing at his handiwork. He was still pondering over it when Dale came in, and flung himself into an armchair with a restless sigh.
"Only that I'm the most miserable dog alive. I tell you what, Phil, I'm going to settle this affair one way or the other. I won't be played with any more. I shall go up to the Grange to-morrow."
"Hang his wedding! Well, then, next day--and get a definite answer from Janet. It's too bad of her. Did you have any talk with her to-day?"
"Only general conversation. She gave me no chance."
"I don't understand her, but I'll have it settled. I've been at Mount Pleasant, and--by God, Phil, I can't stand the sort of anxious, beseeching way Nellie looks. I know it sounds absurd to hear a man talk like that, but it's a fact."
"Well, considering what she's done, I don't see how I can very well stay away."
"Oh! No, I suppose not," said Philip, touching up his plan; "but if I were you, Dale, I should wait a bit before I bothered Miss Delane again. Give her time, man."
"No, I won't. She's not treating me fairly."
"What's that got to do with it? You want to marry her, don't you?"
"Then give her time. Give her a week at all events. You can sound her at the wedding to-morrow, but don't present your ultimatum."
And Dale agreed, on much persuasion, to give her a week.
"That's more sensible. And, Dale, may I ask Arthur Angell down for a day or two?"
"Of course, but I don't know whether he'll come."
"To consult him about a little work of mine," answered Philip, regarding his sketch critically.
"On the publishers? _Ça va sans dire._ But how can Arthur help you?"