She looked at him a little contemptuously.
“A man always considers a woman a fool in business matters,” she said.
“You’ve a good deal as a sex to learn yet,” he returned, unmoved.
“Ah, well!” She threw away the petals of the flower and stood up. “It’s all idle talk, anyway. I suppose if I had even a moderate fortune I’d do as other women occasionally do, invest it in something absolutely safe.” She glanced at his recumbent figure, and at the coat lying on the ground. “If we don’t turn back, we shall be late; and Mrs Arnott will be displeased with me... I am sorry my holiday is drawing to an end.”
“So am I,” he said.
He picked up his coat, and vainly endeavoured to shake out the creases.
“It tells a tale,” he said.
Blanche held it for him while he got into it. She straightened the collar and pressed it into shape. He swung round suddenly and caught her round the waist and kissed her.
“One day,” he said, still holding her with his arm, “you shall have a right royal holiday, and do as much spending as your avarice dictates. I’d enjoy being your banker.”
She flushed hotly and withdrew from the encircling arm.