"Lots of girls like him; I saw that at Jessie's wedding, and when I was down at Burlingham,—and there's one lady, unless I am greatly mistaken, likes him uncommon,—that Mrs. Speyde, a niece of Finchie's. She is always running after him, I am told. Maybe they'll run away together, some day! Why, Nancy child, I declare you look quite vexed! You're not jealous, are you?"
"Of course not,"—now giving the fichu a twitch,—"what a ridiculous idea."
"Well, if he would only throw a book at you, before a witness,—and then run away with someone, it would make matters so nice and simple."
"Simple, yes, but not exactly nice."—After a moment's hesitation, and a fresh pin, "I always thought you liked him, Mrs. Hicks."
"So I do, but it's you, I'm really fond of; it's for your good I'm thinking. Don't I remember you a little darling in your nurse's arms? as for him, I only knew him for a matter of a few weeks. If you would put your pride in your pocket, all might yet be well: that is to say, if you liked him. Do you Nancy? Come now, own up?"
Nancy made no reply for some moments; at last she said, "I like him better than I did; there, now your fichu is all right, and looks very nice; you must wear it this evening,—but mind you don't put it on wrong side out! Now I must run and dress," and imprinting a kiss on Mrs. Hicks' hard and healthy cheek, she hurried out of the room.
A few days later, Nancy had reason to repeat Mrs. Hicks' question, was she jealous? Strange to say, the idea did not now appear to be so supremely ridiculous. Within the last week, she'd been a little startled at the discovery of emotions, the existence of which took her by surprise! She found, that it gave her a painful sensation to see Josie and Captain Mayne, on such excellent and intimate terms. They sat and talked, motored, and danced together—almost as if they were an engaged couple. She endeavoured to console herself with the fact, that it was Josie who was playing the part of enchantress: she had a wonderful power of appropriating the interest of a man.
It was a by no means unusual sight, to behold the fascinating Mrs. Speyde, encompassed by a little crowd of admirers;—whilst other and far prettier women were overlooked, and neglected. Of late she had an instinct that relations between herself and Josie were changed; and that Josie no longer liked her. More than once, she had caught her black eyes fixed upon her with a steady and vindictive glare; in her remarks there was a belittling and malicious note—and she had felt herself laughed at, and so to speak "baited," for the entertainment of the company,—yes, no later than that very day at breakfast! Josie was a splendid mimic, and if her manner was rather boisterous, no one could tell a story with more vivacity and point. Her usual plan was to relate the joint adventure of herself, and victim,—describing it with grotesque exaggeration, and gesture, and making her unfortunate butt, look contemptibly foolish, and ridiculous. Expostulation was useless,—after all, the story was not told behind the subject's back, but boldly face to face, with audacious effrontery, and Nancy's feeble explanations, were drowned in shouts of laughter. The merest incident was sufficient excuse, on which to hang a tale, and Josie's victims never had the wit or spirits, to carry the war into the enemy's quarter,—and the tyrant scored.
Although Captain Mayne and Nancy saw but little of one another indoors, they had been drawn to play together in the "Ladies' and gentlemen's doubles." This had excited the jealousy of Mrs. Speyde, and although she intrigued and manœuvred, nothing she did or said, could alter the detestable fact. Nancy knew by instinct, that her late friend hated to see her and Captain Mayne together,—even if it were only for a few minutes; when they barely exchanged a word!
The weather was perfect, though still rather warm; and the scene in the grounds and around the tennis courts, had been described in the local paper, as "brilliant." No such successful tournament had taken place for years; the sun had shone, and the world and his wife had flocked to Newenham from far and near, and there been entertained, with first-class tennis, excellent refreshments, and any amount of grapeseed!