In spite of herself a cloud came to Kate's brow, and she said carelessly—
"Oh, I don't know, this trip is just as well taken by ourselves."
"Anything you please, dear; they are far away at all events," but he sighed as he spoke.
"Your niece should marry, Colonel, my step-daughter shall; it is a great bore to have young ladies to settle in life."
"Vaura will have London at her feet next season; heiresses all go, so will Miss Tompkins, and for her own sake, I do not doubt."
"Now that you have given me the idea of making up a party to run down to Surrey, I rather like it. There are the little strawberry blondes, Mrs. Meltonbury with her sister, Mrs. Marchmont, my step-daughter, Sir Peter Tedril (who goes down to "Richmondglen," to-morrow at all events), your friend Captain Trevalyon, and mine Sir Tilton Everly; we would be as gay as crickets. How do you like us?"
"A pleasant party; but, as I should like to make sure, if possible, of Trevalyon, I fear I must leave you at once for the club, as after luncheon he drives out to Richmond with some friends to dinner."
"Yes, yes, make sure of him; there, that will do, you men are all alike in your taste for affectionate good-byes."
And in a last caress, her heart beats as it has not done to-day, for her idol may be with her to-morrow.
"You have not told me, my wife, what train it would be most agreeable for you to take."