"I am the more pleased that you do not," says her ladyship, in her low, soft tones, returning his glance fourfold. "Even if it were possible, I would not be altogether good. Perfection in any shape is the one thing of which we most tire."
"The day is clearing; the rain has almost ceased," announces Lord Chandos, solemnly, at this moment.
I spring to my feet.
"No!" cry I, "you don't mean it?"
"I am almost sure I do," replies he, sententiously
And there, indeed, amid, the clouds as I run to look at them, shines out a dazzling piece of blue sky that grows and widens as I gaze.
"It still wants a quarter to one," I say, rapidly. "We will have lunch at once—no matter whether we eat it or not—and then we shall start for Warminister, and I shall see my rink after all. But first I must go to the gardens. Sir Mark"—in a coquettishly appealing tone, casting at him a very friendly glance from my gray-blue eyes—"will you come with me and take care of me as far as the gates? I have something very particular to say to—Cummins."
I make the little pause maliciously, and raise my long lashes just so much as permits me to obtain a glimpse of Marmaduke.
He is talking pleasantly to Lady Blanche, and evidently means me to understand that he is ignorant of my conduct. But I can see a frown on his forehead and certain lines about his mouth that tell me plainly he has both seen and heard and condemned, and I am satisfied.
"I shall be delighted," says Sir Mark, with prudent coldness, and together we leave the room.