Part 37 (1/2)

The depression had been at its lowest ebb as they ran into Bath. It was, however, slightly on the mend by the time Trix reached Exeter, though she was still feeling that her journey had probably, if not certainly, been a piece of pure foolishness on her part.

The carriage she was in was up in the front of the train. She was the sole occupant thereof. She now put up something akin to a prayer that she might remain in undisturbed possession. Apparently, however, the prayer was not to be granted. A tall figure, masculine in character, suddenly blocked the light from the window. Trix heaved a small sigh of patient resignation.

”Good afternoon, Miss Devereux,” said a voice.

Trix looked up. Her resignation took to itself wings and fled.

”Doctor Hilary!” she exclaimed.

Doctor Hilary heaved his big form into the carriage, and turned to take a tea-basket from a porter just behind him. First tipping the said porter, he put the basket carefully on the seat.

”I've been on the lookout for you,” he remarked calmly.

”Oh,” said Trix, a trifle surprised.

Doctor Hilary sat down, keeping, however, one eye towards the platform.

”Yes,” he continued, still calmly. ”The d.u.c.h.essa happened to tell me yesterday that you were coming, and as I happened to be in Exeter to-day I thought we might as well do this bit of the journey together.”

”I see,” said Trix.

Doctor Hilary looked up. ”You don't mind, do you?” he asked quickly.

”Mind!” echoed Trix, ”I am quite delighted. I've been so bored, and rather tired, and--yes, I think quite depressed.”

Doctor Hilary looked concerned.

”You poor little thing,” he said. ”And I suppose you have had one sandwich, and no tea. Men turn to food when they're depressed, and women think they can't eat. Honestly, there's nothing like a good meal for helping one to look on the brighter side of things.”

Trix smiled first at him, and then at the tea-basket.

”Anyhow I'm to be fed now, it seems.”

The train began to move slowly out of the station. Doctor Hilary gave vent to an ill-supressed sigh of relief. The train was non-stop to Brent.

He began pulling at the straps of the tea-basket.

Tea and Doctor Hilary's company had a really marvellous effect on Trix's spirits. The little pleasant occurrence _had_ happened, and quite unexpectedly.

”I'm glad you're coming down to Woodleigh,” said Doctor Hilary presently.

”The d.u.c.h.essa has seemed out of sorts lately, and I fancy your coming will cheer her.”

”Oh,” said Trix, ”you think so, too.” And then she stopped.

”Who else thinks so?” queried Doctor Hilary.

”Well, Miss Tibb.u.t.t didn't seem quite satisfied about her,” owned Trix.

”It was a letter from her made me come. And then I thought perhaps she'd been mistaken, and I'd been silly to think there was any need of me, and that--well, that I'd been a little officious. It's a depressing sensation,” sighed Trix.