His hands were trembling slightly as he folded it again.
"On second thought," he said, and there was a certain thickness in the words which Nell was too agitated to notice, "I believe that I shall keep it. It is the only souvenir I have, you know, of our first meeting."
And he smiled up at her—such a smile as Meïamoun must have bent upon
Cleopatra as he drained the poisoned cup.
CHAPTER XIV
A Bearding of the Lion
Susie Rushford was of that temperament which, so far from avoiding difficulties, rather rushes to meet them, welcoming "each rebuff that turns earth's smoothness rough," to quote again from her favourite poet.
So, when they reached the end of the promenade, it was she who commanded a change of partners and who took her place resolutely beside the invalid chair. Perhaps Lord Vernon scented danger, or it may be that he merely resented the change of companions: at any rate, as they started back, he contented himself with a dignified silence. But Sue was not to be so easily put off.
"The Prince of Markeld has been telling me a few things about the succession," she began, resolutely. "You will pardon me, Lord Vernon, when I say I don't think you're treating him quite fairly."
"I don't think so myself, Miss Rushford," returned the occupant of the chair, curtly.
"His branch of the house seems to be really, in every way, the more deserving."