“Nay,” he replied; “it is quite possible that I may have to return within the month to continue my report.”
As he spoke he glanced furtively at Mistress Anne, to see what effect it would have upon her. To his satisfaction, she clapped her hands joyously.
“I am so glad,” she cried, with childlike glee. Then, as if ashamed of her outburst, she looked down and blushed, ending by glancing timidly at Sir Mark.
“She’s very charming, after all,” he thought, as he smiled upon her. “Poor girl, she can’t help it, I suppose;” and he felt a pleasant glow of self-satisfaction and conceit run through his veins.
“We see so little company,” simpered Anne.
“Really, you’ve seen very little of me,” said Sir Mark. “But duty—duty, Sir Thomas. I felt bound to stay there and keep matters well under my own eyes.”
“It must have been very tedious and tiresome,” said Anne, innocently; “but then, Mace Cobbe is very nice and pleasant, is she not?”
Sir Mark looked sharply to the speaker to see if this was a venomed shaft, but Mistress Anne’s eyes were as wide open as her face was vacant and smooth.
“Yes,” he said, quickly; “a very pleasant, sensible girl. Well educated, too.”
“Yes,” said Anne, dreamily. “I like Mace Cobbe, only dear father and my mother don’t quite approve of my making her an intimate.”