Lord Henry jumped down from his perch, and Leonetta ran indoors.
"I'll follow you in a moment," she cried gleefully.
Lord Henry and Cleopatra sauntered towards the rose garden. "Have people been telling you how very much you've improved?" he demanded.
She bowed her head and flushed slightly.
"I don't say it because I wish to hear compliments," he pursued.
"You've done wonders; you know it," she said, not daring to look at him in her agitation.
"It is you who have done wonders," he replied.
She smiled and looked away.
These two people could not talk to each other. It was impossible. All attempts hitherto had failed, except just that first attempt when Lord Henry had received the girl's stirring confession. It was as if both were trying their mightiest to abide strictly by conventionalities in order to keep within bounds. It was as if neither of them dared to give their tongues a free rein. Never had Lord Henry felt so utterly tongue-tied in a woman's presence; never had Cleopatra looked so serene while completely incapable of noisy cheerfulness.
"How splendid those two look side by side!" Sir Joseph exclaimed as they approached the marquee.