“Oh, I thought he was a dreadful little man,” said Violet.
“You’re too refined,” said Colin. “You don’t like little red bounders. By the way, I’ve solemnly promised him that you and I will spend the night at his house in Naples on our way home.”
“Darling, how could you?” asked Violet.
“To please him. He thinks you’re marvellous, by the way. Don’t elope with him, Vi. Besides it’s a good thing to be friends with a Consul. He reserves carriages and oils the wheels of travel.”
“Colin, you’re full of surprises,” said she. “I should have thought Mr. Cecil was the very type of man you would have found intolerable.”
Colin laughed. “You don’t allow for my Viagi blood,” he said. “The bounding Viagi blood. Shouldn’t I love to see you and Uncle Salvatore together! Now what shall we do? Let’s go for an enormous walk till dinner-time.”
She came behind him and stroked the short hair at the back of his neck.
“Darling, would you mind if I didn’t come all the way?” she asked. “I’m rather tired; I had a long swim this morning. I’ll start with you, and make myself comfortable and wait for you to come back.”
“Don’t come at all, Vi, if you’re tired,” he said. “I can’t have you tired. And then if you sit down and wait for me, I shall feel you’re waiting, and hurry in consequence. Besides, I shall have to come back the same way.”
“Then I’ll certainly come with you all the way,” said she. “It’s more laziness with me than tiredness.”