‘Well, do so; but mind, don’t bring down Mr. Atlee with you.’
‘My chum is no favourite of yours?’
‘That’s as it may be,’ said she haughtily. ‘I have only said let us not have the embarrassment, or, if you like it, the pleasure of his company. I’ll give you a list of books to bring down, and my life be on it, but my course of study will surpass what you have been doing at Trinity. Is it agreed?’
‘Give me till to-morrow to think of it, Nina.’
‘That does not sound like a very warm acceptance; but be it so: till to-morrow.’
‘Here are some of Kate’s dogs,’ cried he angrily. ‘Down, Fan, down! I say. I’ll leave you now before she joins us. Mind, not a word of what I told you.’
And, without another word, he sprang over a low fence, and speedily disappeared in the copse beyond it.
‘Wasn’t that Dick I saw making his escape?’ cried Kate, as she came up.
‘Yes, we were taking a walk together, and he left me very abruptly.’
‘I wish I had not spoiled a tête-à-tête,’ said Kate merrily.