"Oh, she didn't intend it in that way," protested the girl. "She says a great deal she does not mean—so do I!" and she laughed. "There are no end of attractions at 'Clouds Rest'; a billiard table, an electric piano, the motor, and a 'mug' cook, and here we have so little to offer. No indeed—I'm not fishing! but when father has an extra heavy day, and you are idle, I do hope you will not worry about us—but just take Finchie at her word, and ride over to 'Clouds Rest.'"
CHAPTER VI
THE PANTHER'S FIRST VICTIM
The tennis party had dissolved, dinner was an agreeable memory, and Mayne with his new friends, sat out in the broad verandah, and gazed at a moon,—which, like a pale golden disc, hung midway in the dark blue sky.
The two men were smoking, Sam was circling uneasily round his unheeding mistress, when she suddenly said:
"Do tell me, Captain Mayne, what you think of Mrs. Ffinch—isn't she charming?"
"She seems to be awfully clever, and amusing, and full of go."
"Yes," said Travers, "she manages the whole community with the very best intentions. I can't help feeling a little sorry for her."
"Sorry, father!" exclaimed Nancy, "why sorry?"