“I should think I was,” said Toby heartily.
“Then act accordingly,” said Mrs. Medallion. “And if ever again you want to throw dust in my eyes, throw dust—not clods of earth. If you can manage to blind me, that’s one to you. But I won’t be assaulted.”
“I’m very sorry, Aunt Ira,” said Toby humbly.
“I’m glad to hear it.” She turned to address Miss Voile. “Now don’t go and heal those stripes as soon as my back is turned. Give him the cold shoulder for a quarter ’f an hour. And please tell the driver to turn and take us to Pau. I shall expect you at four at the Hôtel de France.”
“Thank you very much,” said Cicely. “I’m sorry my entrance was so abrupt, but——”
“I wouldn’t have missed it for worlds,” said Mrs. Medallion. “It was—enchanting.”
In silence the landaulette was turned and the ladies were driven away.
As the dust swallowed them up, Toby turned to his companion with a glowing face. Then he caught her hands and pressed them against his lips.
He looked up with shining eyes.
“Cicely darling,” he cried, “you’re an absolute brick.”