In due course they appeared at the Park, very dusty and rather hot. Mrs. Mildmay was greatly alarmed and distressed at the idea of their walking such a distance in such weather, but it was the captain who so cleverly suggested that a little refreshment might be acceptable.
Mr. Leicester eyed him for the first time with something like amiability.
"I am thirsty, I'll admit," he said, with his curt smile.
Mrs. Mildmay rang the bell.
"Some claret, and hock, and some seltzer water."
Violet, whose eyes were quick, saw a quiet twinkle in Mr. Fairfax's eyes, and said, with a laugh:
"Perhaps you would prefer something else, Mr. Fairfax?"
"No, not I," said wicked Bertie; "but Leicester here has acquired a most degraded taste for bitter beer."
And as Mr. Leicester did not take the trouble to deny the imputation, Violet added, "and some bottles of ale."