At parting, there had been no "scene" between Sir George Vernon and his
seemingly ungrateful guest.
Nor was the interview a stormy one, as they stood face to face under the
shadow of the _deodara_.
Sir George's daughter had retired from the spot, her young heart
throbbing with pain; while Maynard, deeply humiliated, made no attempt
to justify himself.
Had there been light under the tree, Sir George would have seen before
him the face of a man that expressed the very type of submission.
For some seconds, there was a profound and painful silence.
It was broken by the baronet:
"After this, sir, I presume it is not necessary for me to point out the
course you should pursue? There is only one."
"I am aware of it, Sir George."
"Nor is it necessary to say, that I wish to avoid scandal?"
Maynard made no reply; though, unseen, he nodded assent to the
proposition.
"You can retire at your leisure, sir; but in ten minutes my carriage
will be ready to take you and your luggage to the station."
It was terrible to be thus talked to; and but for the scandal Sir George
had alluded to, Maynard would have replied to it by refusing the
proffered service.
But he felt himself in a dilemma. The railway station was full four
miles distant.
A fly might be had there; but not without some one going to fetch it.
For this he must be indebted to his host. He was in a dress suit, and
could not well walk, without courting the notice to be shunned.
Besides, there would be his luggage to come after him.
There was no alternative but to accept the obligation.