“But I mind very much; and besides,” with a laugh, “nothing makes a fellow feel so cheap as dirty boots.”
“I thought you were accustomed to feeling cheap,” said Honor, with a playful allusion to his nickname.
“No,” throwing the reins to his syce and mounting the steps, “I much prefer to be dear.”
“Dear—at any price!” exclaimed Miss Valpy, who, instead of chatting with Captain Scrope, was giving her attention to Mr. Jervis.
“Dear at any price,” emphatically. “How did you enjoy the interior?” turning to Honor.
“It was delightful.”
“Any adventures this time? Any buffaloes, Mrs. Brande?”
“No, thank goodness, for I have the same wretches of Jampannis.”
“And you, Miss Gordon? Had you no adventures?”
Miss Gordon coloured vividly, and muttered an inaudible reply, as she deliberately put the tea-cosy over the sugar-bowl. He recalled this little incident long afterwards, and then read its meaning.