"I'm sure the Priory needs no additional attraction." This from Dormer in the dog-cart.
To one who knew Jenny well it was possible to see that this speech was not wholly to her liking—but Dormer was not allowed to see it. He received a passing but sufficient smile of graciousness before she gave the hearty thanks of her eyes to Lacey. "She is charming—you'll think so." A second's pause again, and then—"It's really very good to see you. Some day—a ride? Margaret's having lessons down in the town. Austin can ride still, although he has taken to writing books. We shall make quite a cavalcade."
"I say, don't leave me out, Miss Driver." This, again, from Dormer in the dog-cart.
"You live too far off."
"You try me and see!" he protested. Evidently he was very well pleased with the progress which his short acquaintance was making.
Lacey shook hands with her again. "To-morrow at half-past one, then—both of you!" she said. He turned away—was it reluctantly?—and got into the cart. With wavings of hands and hats the two young men drove off. Jenny stood looking after them.
"What brought you here?" I asked.
"The sight of those young men," answered Jenny, smiling. "May I come into your house? Do you remember how I came in first?"
"I remember; we had parted forever in the afternoon."
"Things are generally like that. The people who seem transient stay, the people who seem permanent go. I'm glad you seemed transient, Austin." She was in my room now, thoughtfully looking round it as she talked.