Alicia started.
"He says he's lonely, and I thought it would be such a nice trip for you," added Lady Eynesford.
"Dick lonely! What nonsense! It only means he wants to come back, Mary."
Dick's pathos was evidently a broken reed. Lady Eynesford let it go, and said,
"Anyhow, you might take advantage of his being there to see Australia."
"I don't want to see Australia," answered Alicia. "I much prefer New Lindsey."
"You don't jump at Mary's proposal?"
"I utterly decline," laughed Alicia, and, taking the book she had come in search of, she went out.
"You see. She won't go," remarked Lady Eynesford.