The party soon broke up into groups. Fitz and Leicester with Violet, Bertie and Ethel with Mrs. Mildmay, and the captain and Mr. and Mrs. Dodson.
It was certainly a tempting night, and the young people seemed to quietly revel in it. Twice the Lackland carriage was sent on; but at last Ethel decided that they had better get in, and, much to Bertie's inward grief, Fitz consented.
"The day after to-morrow, then," he said, as he closed the carriage door. "You will not forget that as you forgot me."
"No," said Ethel laughing, but with a slight flush, "I will not forget, and I hope we shall all have a nice ride. Good-night."
Bertie bent over her hand and held it until he was in danger of the wheels. Then Leicester declared that he would go on as far as the Park and return with a cigar.
"You may light it now," said Violet, "if you like. I do not mind."
Leicester was very grateful and lit it.
By some means the captain attracted Bertie's attention as they neared the Park, and so, calling him away, left Leicester and Violet alone.
They did not seem to notice it, however, and stopped to look at the ruins of the old abbey clinging to the new house.
"Beautiful!" said Leicester. "Bertie has been in ecstasies over this; he is an author and an artist, you know."