In the dining-room the party of Olwen's relations sat over their last half-cups of tea in a simmer of delighted curiosity.
This was shared, openly, by the hireling colt from the mountains as she clattered in at intervals with hot water or more butter. Breathlessly she asked at last, "Will I take a tray and some fresh tea into the drawing-room for Miss S'Olwen and that t'officer?"
"You will not," ordered her mistress. Even she had been young once.
"——Yes! glared at me as if you hated the sight of me!" insisted Olwen.
He said, "And weren't you flirrrting with those two fellows, and simply out to make me wild?"
"No," said the girl, quietly and sincerely.
He could have clasped her for it. "Darling!" said his glance, but aloud he only retorted, "Maybe you were not out to do it, but you certainly pulled it off."
"As for you," continued Olwen, "weren't you talking at me to Mrs. Cartwright all the time at dinner?"
"No!" he retorted, flagrantly.