In a few minutes the document was signed
and witnessed.
"I have ordered tea in the garden," Wingrave said, as the two servants
left the room; "that is, unless you prefer any other sort of
refreshment. I don't know much about the cellars, but there is some
cabinet hock, I believe--"
Mr. Pengarth interposed.
"I am very much obliged," he said, "but I will not intrude upon you
further. If you will allow me, I will ring the bell for my trap."
"You will do nothing of the sort," Wingrave answered testily. "You
will stay here and talk to me."
"I will stay with pleasure if you desire it," the lawyer answered. "I
had an idea that you preferred solitude."
"Then you were wrong," Wingrave answered. "I hate being alone."
They moved out together towards the garden. Tea was set out in a shady
corner of the lawn.
"If you will forgive my remarking it," Mr. Pengarth said, "this seems
rather an extraordinary place for you to come to if you really dislike
solitude."
"I come to escape from an intolerable situation, and because I was
ill," Wingrave said.
"You might have brought friends," the lawyer suggested.
"I have no friends," Wingrave answered.
"Some of the people in the neighborhood would be very glad--" Mr.
Pengarth began.
"I do not wish to see them," Wingrave answered.
Mr. Pengarth took a peach, and held his tongue. Wingrave broke the
silence which followed a little abruptly.
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