“I’m in the next set,” Rhoda answered. She had flushed a little as he took his place by her, and there was a sparkle in her eyes as she looked up at him.
“Can’t you throw it over? Do get Sophy Page to take your place.”
“Why shouldn’t I play?” she asked, examining the handle of the racket.
“Oh, I don’t know,” replied Vincent languidly, leaning back and half-closing his eyes. “Do if you like, of course.”
“Have you a headache, Mr. Lacour?” Rhoda asked. “Don’t you feel well?”
“The fact is I don’t. I feel seedy and bored.”
“Pray don’t let me bore you——”
She half rose.
“You know very well you don’t bore me,” he said, looking directly at her. Then he added, “I——-I half supposed you would have left Knightswell.”
She had a quick reply on her lips, but checked it, and merely said: