"So I've always understood!"
"You mustn't listen to ill-natured gossip. Just an old friend! But it's not very likely I should have asked her to come to-day."
The Nun and her party entered, and sat down at the other end of the balcony.
"There's that girl you were talking to. Look round; she's sitting facing me."
"Oh yes, Doris Flower!"
"An old friend too? You seemed to be having a very confidential conversation at least."
"On the most strictly unsentimental footing. Really there you may believe me!" Harry's voice fell to an artistic whisper. "Did you come only to tease me?"
"I don't think you care much whether I tease you or not," said Lady Lucy.
He was helping her to wine; he held the bottle, she held the glass. Somehow it chanced that their hands touched. Lady Lucy blushed a little and glanced at Harry. "How shall I persuade you that I care?" asked Harry.
The Nun's host—at the other end of the balcony—turned to her. "You're not very talkative to-day, Miss Doris!"