"I'm sure Miss Horton will excuse you, Bobby. He has his boxing lesson and his history to prepare for to-morrow," he added, in explanation.
Belinda smiled this time—it was a discreet smile, but disclosed a dimple in the cheek next "Mr. Grey."
"Hard lines, Bobby!" she murmured. "I think I must be nicer than boxing and history!"
"I should think so!" he cried with fervour. "Mr. Grey knows it, too...."
Harold Grey blushed. Belinda laughed delightedly. Sophy rose and took Bobby by the hand. She was laughing, too, but quite firm.
"Come, Bobby," she said. "You can see your Cousin Belinda as much as you like to-morrow."
Bobby, thus admonished, resisted no longer. He made his most formal bow to the company and marched off with his tutor. Belinda rather resented being thus deprived of her youthful admirer.
She looked smilingly at Sophy.
"My! but you've got him in good training, haven't you?" she said lazily. "Have you got Morry trained like that, too?"
Mrs. Horton made a nervous movement.