Saltash laughed. "I never suggest the impossible," he said. "Bunny--and you too--can come along in the car if you will. I can make him quite comfortable with cushions."
But Maud shook her head. "It isn't so easy as it used to be. And he gets tired so soon. Really--really, it can't be done!"
"Oh, Maud, do shut up!" broke in Bunny. "You jaw like any old woman! Of course I'll come, Charlie! When will you be round?"
Lord Saltash looked at Maud with an impish expression. "I am afraid you are in the minority, ma reine. But leave it to me! I'll undertake that no harm is done."
Maud rose suddenly from her chair. She stood upright and slender in the firelight. "I can't consent to it," she said with resolution.
He sprang instantly to his feet. "You don't want to come?" he said.
She met his challenging eyes with an effort. "Don't make things difficult," she begged in a low voice.
"But if I got your mother to come too!" he urged. "She used to love race-meetings."
She turned her eyes away. "Neither Bunny nor I can go," she said steadily.
"I say I will go!" cried Bunny hotly. "I'm old enough to do as I like, and I won't be dictated to by anyone."