Clare stretched out to touch the poet's arm.
"Try to think that I, chattering of Margery, am not more personal than you. 'Tis true, I piped a love-ditty, but though it may trouble the bush and brake of a small wood, it would seem thin fluting——"
"To any but her," Charles interrupted. "The thinnest tune will charm one who is nearer than you to the primitive animal too easily quelled by sweet songs. Pipe to a crowd, Tony, but musick dedicated to a solitary shepherdess at the sight of whom your mouth will be awry in a year's time is ill work for her."
"I doubt you're right," said Clare softly. "You are compassionate to poor nymphs to-night, Charles. Have you met a goddess?"
"Tony, I have."
"May you prosper!"
"Thank'ee. I'll tell you more of her when I know more myself."
They urged their horses to a trot and were silent for a while. Then Clare asked Charles what he thought of Vernon.
"Oh! a statue positively. I doubt the whole affair was to him vastly low.
"Umph! there was a permanent leer carved on his lips. I dislike the fellow."