‘Arthur Martindale’s village maid? Ha! Jane, there’s jealousy; I thought you told me—’
‘Georgina!’ exclaimed Jane, ‘you should have introduced Mark to Miss Martindale.’
As Theodora moved her stately neck she felt as if a thunder-bolt had fallen; but the gentleman’s manner was particularly pleasing.
‘It is Jane’s concern,’ said Mrs. Finch, laughing. ‘I leave you to infer why she checks his communications.’
‘There is nothing more awkward than “You told me so,”’ said Mr. Gardner, ‘since the days of “Who is your next neighbour, sir?” I may be allowed some interest in the matter, for your brother is an old school-fellow of mine.’
‘Come!’ exclaimed Georgina, ‘if you stay dawdling here, my letter won’t be written, and my vases won’t come. Fancy, Theodora, such delicious Sevres vases, big enough to hold the Forty Thieves, sky blue, with medallions of Mars and Venus, and Cupids playing tricks—the loveliest things imaginable—came from Versailles—absolutely historical.’
‘Lauzun is supposed to have been hidden in one,’ said Mr. Gardner.
‘I vowed I would have them, and I never fail. Mark has been through fire and water for them.’
‘And I suppose they cost—’ said Theodora.
‘The keep of half-a-dozen starving orphans,’ said Mrs. Finch, triumphantly. ‘Ay, you may look, Theodora; but they are my trophies.’