"I have just been asking Mr. Howard to take me for a row," she said, "but he has refused."
Stafford laughed and glanced at his watch.
"I can quite believe it: he's the laziest wretch in existence. If you'll transfer the offer to me, we'll go after lunch. By George, there's the bell!"
"Thanks!" she murmured, and she rose with her slow grace. "I'd better get into an appropriate costume. Mr. Howard, what will you bet me that it does not rain before we start. But you never bet, you tell me!"
"Not unless I am sure of winning, Miss Falconer," he said, significantly.
She looked after Stafford as he rode away to the stable.
"Nor I," she retorted, with a smile. "As you will see."
CHAPTER XVI.
When Stafford and Maude Falconer went down to the lake after luncheon, they found a party from the Villa just embarking on board one of the launches; the air was filled with laughter and chatter, and the little quay was bright with the white flannels of the men and the gay frocks of the women. The party greeted the two with an exuberant welcome, and Bertie called out to ask them if they were coming on board.
"Perhaps you would rather go on the launch, Miss Falconer?" said
Stafford; but she shook her head.