Lady Clarence, Lady Bell, Una, and Jack remained.
He still kept up the pretense of eating and drinking; and Lady Bell, kneeling opposite him, seemed never to grow weary in supplying his wants.
Una, seated at a little distance, noticed with what eager attention she hung upon every word he uttered. And Jack kept on talking as if his life depended on it. But presently his patience came to an end.
He put down his plate resolutely.
“No more, thanks, or I shall be too heavy for the outrigger. Now, then, can’t I help pack up?”
But Lady Bell wouldn’t hear of it.
“No, you shall light your pipe,” she said, “and watch us. Come, Una. I know you are dying to help us.”
Una awoke with a start and knelt down beside the plates and dishes while Lady Bell went for the hamper.
Jack seized his opportunity. Bending forward, he whispered:
“Una!”