I thought how we might have wandered in the valley before lunch, and then sat out afterwards under the chestnut tree with books and papers.
I closed my eyes a minute and felt the warmth of the sun on my face and on my hands.
I heard Maxim calling to me from the house.
I went back, and Frith helped me into my coat.
I heard the sound of another car.
It was Frank.
'Colonel Julyan is waiting at the lodge gates,' he said.
'He did not think it worth while to drive up to the house.'
'No,' said Maxim.
'I'll stand by in the office all day and wait for you to telephone,' said Frank.
'After you've seen Baker you may find you want me, up in London.'
'Yes,' said Maxim. 'Yes, perhaps.'
'It's just nine now,' said Frank.
'You're up to time.
It's going to be fine too.
You should have a good run.'
'Yes.'
'I hope you won't get over-tired, Mrs de Winter,' he said to me. 'It's going to be a long day for you.'
'I shall be all right,' I said.
I looked at Jasper who was standing by my feet with ears drooping and sad reproachful eyes.
'Take Jasper back with you to the office,' I said.
'He looks so miserable.'
'Yes,' he said. 'Yes, I will.'
'We'd better be off,' said Maxim.
'Old Julyan will be getting impatient.
All right, Frank.'
I climbed in the car beside Maxim.
Frank slammed the door.
'You will telephone, won't you?' he said.
'Yes, of course,' said Maxim.
I looked back at the house.
Frith was standing at the top of the steps, and Robert just behind.
My eyes filled with tears for no reason.
I turned away and groped with my bag on the floor of the car so that nobody should see.
Then Maxim started up the car and we swept round and into the drive and the house was hidden.
We stopped at the lodge-gates and picked up Colonel Julyan.
He got in at the back.
He looked doubtful when he saw me.
'It's going to be a long day,' he said.
'I don't think you should have attempted it.
I would have taken care of your husband you know.'
'I wanted to come,' I said.
He did not say any more about it. He settled himself in the corner.
'It's fine, that's one thing,' he said.
'Yes,' said Maxim.
"That fellow Favell said he would pick us up at the crossroads.
If he*s not there don't attempt to wait, we'd do much better without him.
I hope the damned fellow has overslept himself.'
When we came to the crossroads though I saw the long green body of his car, and my heart sank.
I had thought he might not be on time.