George enjoyed that trip, and Miss Fairbrother enjoyed it too. It's astonishing how it improves a young woman's looks and a young man's temper to ride on a steamboat, even when both were agreeable before. There were many things to see, most of which George had to explain. What he didn't know he invented, which didn't make much difference, as it is probable Miss Fairbrother was listening more to George's voice than to what he said. There were many occasions when George had to take Miss Fairbrother's arm, and once when the boat lurched he was obliged to catch her round the waist; none of which incidents upset the good feeling existing between them, but rather increased it.
At Hampton Court they did the usual round through the Palace, and were for the first time that day a little bored. Like a good many other people, they found that the faded relics of dead-and-gone monarchs are not only uninteresting, but very depressing, so much so that the sight of a new windsor chair that King George never sat upon becomes an object of unusual interest and a welcome relief.
"I never thought," said Miss Fairbrother, "that kings and their furniture could be so uninteresting. I think I enjoyed seeing the soldiers on guard more than the royal furniture."
"Yes," said George; "and I think I enjoy being out here, sitting by the river, more than either the furniture or the soldiers."
"It's delightfully quiet and soothing."
"It's grand. I've never seen much of the country in my life, but I do enjoy it when I get a glimpse."
"In Australia," said Miss Fairbrother, "I saw very little of town life. We lived in the country most of the time."
"And you were sorry to leave it?"
"At first. Since I've been here I think I like England quite as well—especially London. There's no place like London, I'm sure."
"Perhaps not," said George, absently.