"I have no spare time in the week. I thought you would understand this.
I. S."
It was her custom to write without any formal beginning or ending; yet
Waymark felt that this note was briefer than it would have been, had all
been as usual between them. The jealousy which now often tortured him
awoke with intolerable vehemence. He spent a week of misery.
But late on Saturday evening came a letter addressed in the
well-known hand. It said--
"Sally and I are going up the river to-morrow, if it is fine. Do you
care to meet us on the boat which reaches Chelsea Pier at 10.30?
I. S."
It seemed he did care; at all events he was half an hour too soon at the
pier. As the boat approached his eye soon singled out two very
quietly-dressed girls, who sat with their backs to him, and neither
turned nor made any sign of expecting any addition to their party. With
like undemonstrativeness he took a seat at Ida's side, and returned
Sally's nod and smile. Ida merely said "Good morning;" there was nothing
of displeasure on her face, however, and when he began to speak of
indifferent things she replied with the usual easy friendliness.
It was the first time he had seen her by daylight.
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