“You can, if you like.”
“And you will secure an agreeable companion for the rest of the tour, eh?—my diplomatic cousin and my silent sister.”
“Yes; but it is too bad of you to see through a poor girl, and her little game, like that. I own he is a charming companion.”
Fanny's cunning eyes twinkled, and Zoe blushed crimson to see her noble brother manipulated by this artful minx and then flattered for his perspicacity.
From that moment a revulsion took place in her mind, and pride fought furiously with love—for a time.
This was soon made apparent to Fanny Dover. When they retired, Zoe looked very gloomy; so Fanny asked, rather sharply, “Well, what is the matter now? Didn't I do it cleverly?”
“Yes, yes, too cleverly. Oh, Fanny, I begin to revolt against myself.”
“This is nice!” said Fanny. “Go on, dear. It is just what I ought to have expected. You were there. You had only to interfere. You didn't. And now you are discontented.”
“Not with you. Spare me. You are not to blame, and I am very unhappy. I am losing my self-respect. Oh, if this goes on, I shall hate him!”
“Yes, dear—for five minutes, and then love him double. Come, don't deceive yourself, and don't torment yourself. All your trouble, we shall leave it behind us to-morrow, and every hour will take us further from it.”