When Columbine returned with the mulberry wine and a glass on a tray the
conservatory was empty. She set down her tray and paused.

There was a faintly mutinous curve about her soft lips, a gleam of
dancing mischief in her eyes.

In a moment a step sounded on the path outside, and Rufus reappeared. He
had been out to fill her watering-can, and he deposited it full at her
feet.

"Don't put it there!" she said, with a touch of sharpness. "I don't want
to tumble over it, do I? Thank you for filling it, but you needn't have
troubled. I've done."

"Then it'll come in for tomorrow," said Rufus, setting the can
deliberately in a corner.

Columbine turned to pour out a glass of Mrs. Peck's mulberry wine.

"Only one glass?" said Rufus.

She threw him a quizzing smile over her shoulder. "Well, you don't want
two, do you?"

"No," said Rufus slowly. "But I don't drink--alone."

She gave a low, gurgling laugh. "You'll be saying you don't smoke alone
next. If you want someone to keep you company, I'd better fetch Adam."

She turned round to him with the words, offering the glass on the tray.