
in Gwendolen's mind - a vision of what Grandcourt might do for her mother if
she, Gwendolen, did - what she was not going to do. She was so moved by a new
rush of ideas, that like one conscious of being urgently called away, she felt
that the immediate task must be hastened: the letter must be written, else it
might be endlessly deferred. After all, she acted in a hurry as she had wished
to do. To act in a hurry was to have a reason for keeping away from an absolute
decision, and to leave open as many issues as possible.
    She wrote: »Miss Harleth presents her compliments to Mr. Grandcourt. She
will be at home after two o'clock to-morrow.«
    Before addressing the note she said, »Pray ring the bell, mamma, if there is
any one to answer it.« She really did not know who did the work of the house.
    It was not till after the letter had been taken away and Gwendolen had risen
again, stretching out one arm and then resting it on her head, with a long moan
which had a sound of relief in it, that Mrs. Davilow ventured to ask -
    »What did you say, Gwen?«
    »I said that I should be at home,« answered Gwendolen, rather loftily. Then,
after a pause, »You must not expect, because Mr. Grandcourt is coming, that
anything is going to happen, mamma.«
    »I don't allow myself to expect anything, dear. I desire you to follow your
own feeling. You have never told me what that was.«
    »What is the use of telling?« said Gwendolen, hearing a reproach in that
true statement. »When I have anything pleasant to tell, you may be sure I will
tell you.«
    »But Mr. Grandcourt will consider that you have already accepted him, in
allowing him to come. His note tells you plainly enough that he is coming to
make you an offer.«
    »Very well; and I wish to have the pleasure of refusing him.«
    Mrs. Davilow looked up in wonderment, but Gwendolen implied her wish not to
be questioned further by saying -
    »Put down that detestable needlework, and let us walk in the avenue. I am
stifled.«
 

                                 Chapter XXVII

 Desire has trimmed the sails, and Circumstance
 Brings but the breeze to fill them.
 
While Grandcourt on his beautiful black Yarico, the groom behind him on
Criterion, was taking the pleasant ride from Diplow to Offendene, Gwendolen was
