"There are no further rules to this game," said Juliet, squeezing
Columbus around his sturdy shoulders as he sat on the bench beside her.
"Whoever wins—or loses—no one has any right to complain."
She spoke without agitation, but her face was flushed, and there was something about the clasp of her arm that made Columbus look up with earnest affection.
"If that's so," said Saltash, "I can withdraw my protection without compunction."
She smiled. "No doubt you can, most puissant Rex! But it really wouldn't answer your purpose. You've nothing to gain by treachery to a friend, and it would give you a horrid taste afterwards."
He made a face at her. "That's your point of view. And what am I to say when I meet Muff and all the rest of the clan again?"
She gave a slight shrug. "Do you think it matters? They are much too busy chasing after their own affairs to give me a second thought. If I were Lady Jo, they might be interested—for half-an-hour—not a minute longer."
Saltash made a mocking sound. "I know one person whose interest would last a bit longer than that—if you were Lady Jo."
"Indeed?" said Juliet.
"Yes—indeed, ma Juliette! I met him the other day at the Club before I went North, and it may interest you to know that he is determined to find her—and marry her—or perish in the attempt."
"It doesn't interest me in the least," said Juliet.