Written at intervals.
THE excursion to Gurglepool took place on Thursday, August 20. I have much to say which I must jot down gradually.
We had bright sunshine. I think I should have been glad of rain to keep us at home. For the whole morning I was haunted by the thought that Arthur Lenox might after all respond to Maggie's invitation, and look in at tea-time. Though not likely, it was not impossible. And I should be absent!
Yet my duty remained the same. If going was an "ought" the day before, it had not changed. I did feel sorely tempted to wish that I had not arranged to be of the party, or that some excuse were even yet possible. But conscience would not consent; neither would pride. I cannot tell which was the stronger.
Till lunch I stayed indoors, having a good deal to do. At lunch Maggie remarked—
"We've seen Captain Lenox again!"
"Have you?" asked Thyrza, who for some reason had not accompanied Maggie and Miss Millington. I think she and Nona had enjoyed an independent scramble with Denham.
"Yes,—we met him. And he and Millie had quite a talk together,—quite confidential, wasn't it, Millie dear?" Both laughed. "He could have come in to tea to-day, only we shan't be at home, so it would be no use. He means to go away to-morrow morning,—no, I think he said he should start this evening. But next time he visits the Denhams, he hopes to make father's acquaintance."
"Yes; I thought him rather smitten," murmured Miss Millington, whereat Maggie blushed.
The folly of this! As if girls of Maggie's type had not nonsense enough in their heads, without its being helped on. Hardly anything could have been in worse taste. If Mrs. Romilly knew!—with her refined delicacy of feeling!