Here was alluring invitation!
"Of course you know Miss Denis—but only recently. You were late in welcoming her to Port Blair!"
"I have the pleasure of knowing Miss Denis, but as to welcoming her to Port Blair, such a proceeding would be altogether presumptuous on my part, and no doubt she received a welcome, from the proper quarter." And he once more bowed himself before Mrs. Creery.
Helen could scarcely keep her countenance when she met his eyes, and hastily turned off her smiles by saying,—
"I am sorry you could not dine with us last night."
"Mr. Lisle never dines out," replied the elder lady, speaking precisely as if she was Mr. Lisle's interpreter.
"Quentin is talking of getting up a dinner," he said, "in fact he is rather full of it."
"Dinner! Well, don't let him give it till full moon. I hate crossing in the dark, and be sure it is on a mutton-day!" said the elder lady authoritatively. (N.B. Mutton was only procurable once a week.)
"I will remember your suggestions, but a good deal depends on the butler, and his inclination. He is rather an imperious person, we have but little voice in the domestic arrangements."
"You!"—scornfully—"of course not; but I should hope that Mr. Quentin is master of his own house."