On the way homeward Captain Murpoint did a little expert maneuvering.
The captain, with infinite art, engaged Mr. Leicester in conversation, and, by dint of stopping every now and then to ask questions concerning, or to dilate upon, the beauty of the scenery, kept Leicester back while Lord Fitz and Violet went on in front.
Then he proposed that they should wait for the remainder of the party, and, when it came up, with the same tact he drew Bertie away from Lady Ethel, and compelled Leicester to escort her.
So he made two of our heroes intensely savage, but gained his point.
When they all came together for the parting Lord Fitz looked particularly happy and flustered; his boyish face was all smiles, and his yellow, flaxen hair was blown across his forehead like a donkey's twist.
"Jolly ride we've had," he said, looking round, "especially the ride home. It doesn't seem so hot."
"No," said Violet, who also looked particularly happy; "I have enjoyed it."
So had they all, they declared, and they parted at the crossroads amid laughter and with wishes for another expedition.
But when Bertie and Leicester turned up the road which led to the Cedars, a dissatisfied, disappointed expression seemed to settle upon both their faces, even on jovial, light-hearted Bertie's.