Yes, it was she. It was Una, his forest-maiden!
With a long breath he raised the cup to his lips and drained it, then sank down on the grass and took up his plate, scarcely knowing what he was doing.
The laughing voices around him seemed blurred and indistinct in his ears, the green trees and silver stream seemed to fade and vanish, and give place to the silent glade in which he had sat with the same beautiful girl bending over him.
Mechanically he went through the pretense of eating until a burst of laughter recalled him to himself.
“Look here!” shouted Dalrymple in boyish glee. “Here’s the Savage, busy eating nothing!”
Jack laughed, awakened to the sense of the situation. He must nerve himself, if only for her sake.
“It must be sunstroke,” he said lightly, staring at his empty plate. “Will somebody give me a piece of cake? I have always doted on cake. I like a piece with the candied peel on it, Lady Bell. Thanks. Now I am just going to begin my luncheon.”
“Those persons who are tired of watching the Savage satisfy his barbaric appetite are requested to withdraw!” drawled Dalrymple, and he leaped to his feet, laughing.
“Seriously, if anyone would like to go up to the palace, I’ve an open door. I should like a row.”
There was an instant clamor. Three parts of the party wanted to see the palace, and a couple of boat loads started.