‘Lord Rex Basire was calling on you the greater part of yesterday.’
‘And I took upon myself to accept an invitation for you. There will be a picnic party on Wednesday. It is some yachting expedition to the French coast, got up by the officers of the regiment, to which you will be asked——’
‘But to which I shall certainly not go. I can get as far out to sea as I like with the fisher people. Wednesday is one of my busiest days.’
‘Miss Bartrand will be invited, too, if you are thinking of her.’
‘Miss Bartrand can do as she chooses. I have more important work than my two hours’ reading at Tintajeux.’
‘If I ask you, Geff, will you refuse?’
‘I refuse, unconditionally. I hate gay parties. What mortal interest could I have in the society of men like Lord Rex Basire and his brother officers?’
‘Only that I am going, that Gaston ... I mean, I looked upon it as a matter of course you would accept, and——’
The words died on Dinah’s lips. She had an unreasoning sensation that her firmest safety ground was at this moment cut abruptly from her feet.
As she stood, faltering, uncertain, Geoffrey took the volume of Browning from her. It opened at page 58.