Besides there was no time for deep thoughts. It was six minutes to one. Luncheon at the House, where William, as became a man of acknowledged genius, was an honoured guest, was sharp at the hour. The honoured guest would only just have time to wash his hands and brush his hair. And so he was not able to accompany June along the rectangular path which led from the main avenue direct to Mrs. Chrystal's.
Moreover she didn't want him to. She understood his hurry. Also he understood hers. Besides each craved a moment, after all, to consider life and just where they stood in it.
"I have to rest this afternoon," said June. "And I suppose you have to get on with the cleaning of the Mathew Thingamy. But if it's as fine to-morrow morning as it has been to-day, let us meet under this tree about eleven. And then you can put in the last touches while I read "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Eliot that Miss Babraham's lent me. Seems a bit old-fashioned, but it's classic of course. I dare say it'll improve as it gets better."
Whereon June took the bypath abruptly, and William, his six minutes reduced to four, stepped out towards the House. Life and its complexities did not get therefore, much of a show at the moment, yet both of them must have been giving these high matters some little thought, for as June reached the eucalyptus tree she halted and half-turned and looked just for one instant back. And she found that William, now on a level with the second Cupid on the main gravel, and his four minutes reduced to three and a quarter, had also halted, and half-turned to follow her example.
