commanded them to leave her.

"There's something in the shape of a glass-house at the back," she said.
"I don't know if it can be called a conservatory. But anyhow I should
think you might find a seat and solitude there, and that, I conclude, is
what you most want. Anyhow, don't bother about me! I can amuse myself
here for any length of time."

They took her at her word, though neither of them seemed in any hurry to
depart. Dot lingered because the prospect of a _tête-à-tête_ in a strange
place, where she could not easily make her escape if she desired to do
so, embarrassed her. And Hill waited, as his custom was, with a grim
patience that somehow only served to increase her reluctance to be alone
with him.

"Run along! It's getting late," Adela said at last. "Carry her off, Mr.
Hill! You'll never get her to make the first move."

There was some significance in words and smile. Dot stiffened and turned
sharply away.

Hill followed her, and outside the room she waited for him.

"Do you know the way?" she asked, without looking at him.

He took her by the arm, and again she had a wayward thought of the
hand of the law. She knew now what it felt like to be marshalled by
a policeman. She almost uttered a remark to that effect, but, glancing
up at him, decided that it would be out of place. For the man's harsh
features were so sternly set that she wondered if Adela's careless talk