Chapter Six.
Allies.
If a tormenting, Jack Hibbert was a faithful, friend. He saw that Everitt was out of sorts, and he went to the Lascelles with the intention of doing him a good turn—somehow. His first business was to get hold of Mrs Marchmont, and ask for an introduction to Miss Lascelles. She looked at him, and shook her head.
“No,” she said. “I see what that means. You have come as an emissary, and I can’t trust your prudence.”
It was in vain for Jack to protest that he was not an emissary, and that his prudence was beyond comprehension; she was certain that his masculine movements would be too lumbering and aggressive for the situation, which needed the most delicate advances.
“You would rush impetuously into the breach, and treat it all as a fine joke; and that would just finish everything quite hopelessly. No; be good and don’t meddle.”
“I know I could put things straight,” said Jack, ruefully.
“I thought that was in your head,” she answered. “Now. I’ll tell you what I’ll do. You shall be introduced to Miss Aitcheson, and that will be almost as good as if I took you to Miss Lascelles, only not so dangerous.”
“You are very kind,” he said, brightening up.
“And you must promise to be cautious.”