CHAPTER XII
THE OGRE'S CASTLE
"Let's go out into the garden!" said Bunny urgently.
Dinner was over, and Maud and Saltash were at the piano at the far end of the great room. Jake and Larpent were smoking in silent companionship at a comfortable distance. Toby, who had been very quiet the whole evening, sat silently apart in a low chair with her hands clasped about her knees. Bunny alone was restless.
She lifted her eyes to him as he prowled near her, and they held a hint of mischief. At his murmured words she rose.
"You'd like to?" he questioned.
She nodded. "Of course; love it. You know the way. You lead!"
Bunny needed no second bidding. He went straight to the tall door and held it open for her. Toby, very slim and girlish in her white raiment, cocked her chin and walked out in state. But the moment they were alone she turned upon him a face brimful of laughter.
"Oh, now we can enjoy ourselves! I've been feeling so proper all the evening. Quick! Where shall we go?"
"Into the garden," said Bunny. "Or wait! Come up on to the battlements!
It's ripping up there."