He approached towards Mrs. Cameron. Lily turned suddenly and saw him. Instinctively she smoothed back her loosened tresses, replaced the straw hat, and came up demurely to his side just as he had accosted her aunt.
“Pardon my intrusion, Mrs. Cameron. I am the bearer of this note from Mrs. Braefield.” While the aunt read the note, he turned to the niece.
“You promised to show me the picture, Miss Mordaunt.”
“But that was a long time ago.”
“Too long to expect a lady’s promise to be kept?”
Lily seemed to ponder that question, and hesitated before she answered.
“I will show you the picture. I don’t think I ever broke a promise yet, but I shall be more careful how I make one in future.”
“Why so?”
“Because you did not value mine when I made it, and that hurt me.” Lily lifted up her head with a bewitching stateliness, and added gravely, “I was offended.”
“Mrs. Braefield is very kind,” said Mrs. Cameron; “she asks us to dine the day after to-morrow. You would like to go, Lily?”