"The sirens!" repeated Miss Valpy, scornfully. "What, with voices like geese? What humbug! Let us take Archie Maxwell Ulysses away from the sirens, Kaituna."
"No, no, don't do that!" said Kaituna with a sudden rush of colour; "it's a shame."
"What! depriving them of their big fish? Not at all. It's greedy of them to be so selfish. I'll call him. Mr. Maxwell!"
"It's very chilly here," said Kaituna, rising to her feet. "Mr. Clendon, my shawl, please. Thank you I'm going inside."
"Because of Mr. Maxwell?" asked Miss Valpy, maliciously.
"No. I'm expecting some letters from Mr. Dombrain. Oh, here is Mr. Maxwell. Au revoir," and Miss Pethram walked quickly away towards the house.
Maxwell having extricated himself from the company of the sirens, who looked after their late captive with vengeful eyes, saw Kaituna depart, and hesitated between following her or obeying the invitation of Miss Valpy. His heart said "Go there," the voice of Tommy said "Come here," and the unfortunate young man hesitated which to obey. The lady saw his hesitation, and, purposely to vex Mr. Clendon, settled the question at once.
"Mr. Maxwell, come here. I want you to play lawn-tennis."
"Certainly, Miss Valpy," said Maxwell, with sulky civility.
"Why, I asked you to play twice this afternoon, and you refused," cried Clendon, in some anger.