Rupert was vexed, both at being set down in a way he did not expect, and because he was really sorry that his wounded self-conceit bad led him to do what he saw had mortified Elizabeth more than he had intended.
'What is it? what is it?' asked Katherine.
'Never mind, Kate,' said Rupert.
'Well, but what fun is it?' persisted Katherine.
'Only downright nonsense,' said Rupert, looking down, and unconsciously drawing very strange devices on the blotting paper, 'unworthy the attention of so wise a lady.'
'Only the dry bones of an ill-natured joke,' said Lady Merton, who had seen all that passed, from the other end of the table. She spoke so low as only to be heard by her son; but Elizabeth saw his colour deepen, and, as he rose and went to the piano, she felt sorry for him, and soon found an opportunity of reminding him that he had promised to draw something for Edward's scrap-book, and asked him if he would do so now.
'Willingly,' said Rupert, 'but only on one condition, Lizzie.'
'What?' said Elizabeth.
'That you give me back that foolish thing,' said Rupert, fixing his eyes intently on the coach and horses which he was drawing.
'There it is,' said Elizabeth, restoring it to him. 'No, no, Rupert, do not tear it up, it is the cleverest thing you ever drew, Sir Walter is excellent.'