"So I should infer," he retorted, "from what I've just seen. I never was allowed to put my arm—"
"How dare you!" she cried, rising, really angry this time. "I—" Then turning to the Bishop, who arrived very opportunely, she exclaimed:
"Won't you rescue me, please? Your son's becoming awfully impertinent!"
"Then," said his Lordship gallantly, "my son must be taught better manners. If he cannot show himself worthy of such a charming companion, we'll punish him by leaving him entirely alone."
Certainly his father was coming on, thought Cecil. But if Miss Arminster tried to take advantage of his dotage to forge another link in her matrimonial chain, he, Banborough, would have a word to say on the subject.
"I wish to tell you, my dear," began his Lordship as they walked away, leaving Cecil disconsolate, "of a very nice invitation I've received for the rest of the week. Lord Downton is to call for me in his yacht at Dullhampton to-morrow, and has asked me to join his party and to bring some lady with me to make the number even."
"Oh, how jolly that'll be—for Miss Matilda!" said the artful Violet.
"Humph!—ye-es," replied the Bishop. "I hardly think my sister could leave the palace just at this time."
"Perhaps," suggested his guest, "yachting doesn't agree with her. Has she ever tried it before?"
"She has," replied the Bishop, with a certain asperity.