“And—and you will not mind going over to Brackley with me to call?”
“I, mind? Oh, auntie, I should be horribly disappointed if you did not take me. There, Rob,” she continued, with a little sigh, “that’s all over, and I congratulate you—brother; and I shall kiss dearest Glynne as I kiss you now.”
“Humph! thought she was going to bite me,” muttered Rolph. Then aloud, “Well, Madge, it was a bit of a flirtation, I own. Now, then, as you’ve behaved like a trump, so will I. What shall it be—a pearl locket, or diamonds, or a bracelet?”
“Oh, how good and generous you are, Rob dear. How nice of you!” cried Marjorie in gushing tones. “I have so often longed for a sapphire bracelet.”
“Then you shall have one,” said Rolph, but not quite so warmly as he had spoken before. “I’m off now.”
“Won’t you stay to lunch, dear?” said Mrs Rolph.
“No. I shall have a sandwich in my room. I’m training. I say! can you go over this afternoon?”
“Of course we will, dear,” said Mrs Rolph, warmly; and there was a look of relief in her eyes.
“Then that’s all settled,” said Rolph; and he left the room, not noticing the hard look in his cousin’s eyes. “Sorry about poor old Ben Hayle,” he muttered as he went to his own room. “But perhaps it’s best. Going to be married, and must be a good boy now.”
Then a thought struck him, and he hurried back to the drawing-room, to surprise Marjorie upon her knees, with her face buried in Mrs Rolph’s lap.