A gleam of surprise crossed his face. He flushed also; but she saw that though embarrassed, he was not displeased.
He put a hand to his cap. "Thank you, Miss Bathurst," he said simply, and turned without further words to answer his brother's summons.
Dinah walked quickly on. That stroll with Scott had quite lifted her out of her depression.
CHAPTER IX
THE RUNAWAY COLT
"It really is very tiresome," complained Lady Grace. "I knew that child was going to be a nuisance from the very outset."
"What has she done now?" growled the Colonel.
He was lounging in the easiest chair in the room, smoking an excellent cigar, preparatory to indulging in his afternoon nap. His wife reclined upon a sofa with a French novel which she had not begun to read. Through the great windows that opened on to the balcony the sunshine streamed in a flood of golden light. Rose was seated on the balcony enjoying the warmth. Lady Grace's eyes rested upon her slim figure in its scarlet coat as she made reply.
"These people—these Studleys—won't leave her alone. Or else she runs after them. I can't quite make out which. Probably the latter. Anyhow the sister—who, I believe is what is termed slightly mental—has asked her to go to tea in their private sitting-room. I have told her she must decline."
"Quite right," said the Colonel. "What did she say?"