'
'I couldn't see you before five?'
'Is it something important?'
'Yes, it is.'
'I tell you what. If you could meet me at Gloucester Gate at
four, then I shall be glad of half an hour in the park. But I
mustn't talk now; I'm driven to my wits' end. Gloucester Gate, at
four sharp. I don't think it'll rain.'
He dragged out a tome of the 'Britannica.' Marian nodded, and
returned to her seat.
At the appointed hour she was waiting near the entrance of
Regent's Park which Jasper had mentioned. Not long ago there had
fallen a light shower, but the sky was clear again. At five
minutes past four she still waited, and had begun to fear that
the passing rain might have led Jasper to think she would not
come. Another five minutes, and from a hansom that rattled hither
at full speed, the familiar figure alighted.
'Do forgive me!' he exclaimed. 'I couldn't possibly get here
before. Let us go to the right.'
They betook themselves to that tree-shadowed strip of the park
which skirts the canal.
'I'm so afraid that you haven't really time,' said Marian, who
was chilled and confused by this show of hurry.
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