XXV
On the homeward walk that evening he preserved an ominous silence, and early on the morrow, saying nothing of his intentions, he started off alone: Rowland saw him measure with light elastic steps the rugged path to Engelberg. He was absent all day and gave no account of himself on his return, simply saying he was impossibly tired and going to bed early. When he had left the room Mary Garland drew near to their friend.
"I wish to ask you a question," she said. "What happened to Roderick yesterday at Engelberg?"
"You 've discovered that something did happen?"
"I 'm sure of it. Was it anything disagreeable? "
"I don't know how at the present moment he judges it. He met Princess Casamassima."
"Thank you!" said Mary; and she turned away.
The conversation had been brief, but it had not been the first exchange of words important far beyond its duration. Mary's question had at any rate for Rowland a great and particular sign — being the first she had ever asked him which Roderick himself could have answered better. Therefore she had betrayed as not before how little she "got out" of the latter. Rowland ventured to think this fact marked an era.
The next morning was sultry, and the air, usually so fresh at those altitudes, was oppressively heavy.
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