"You really mean it? Then I should like to go right through the country to St. Seebird's Well. It is years since last I was there." She breathes a soft sigh, as though recalling some tender memory connected with her former visit.
"To the Wishing Well?" says 'Duke. "That is a long drive. The day is fine, however, and I see nothing to prevent our doing it. Can we manage it, do you think, Phyllis?"
"I see no obstacle in the way," I answer, indifferently, without raising my eyes.
"Then we may consider it a settled plan—may we, Mrs. Carrington?" says Lady Blanche, sweetly.
This time I do lift my head, and turn my eyes slowly upon her ladyship's.
"Good-morning, Lady Blanche," I say, quietly, and with the utmost composure. In spite of herself, she is disconcerted.
"Oh! good-morning," she says. "I quite fancied I had seen you somewhere before this morning."
"Did you? You take coffee, I think, Sir George? Dora, give Sir George some coffee."
"I think I deserve a vote of thanks for my suggestion." says Lady Blanche, recovering. "I feel in great spirits myself already. The drive will do us good, and make us all as fresh as possible."
"True," says Marmaduke; "we have not had a drive for some time. A picnic near home is, I believe, a mistake. It is a capital idea, Phyllis, is it not?"