Mr. Austin proposed to Cecilia that they should spend Easter week in Rome.
Her face lighted and clouded.
“I should like it,” she said, negatively.
“What’s the objection?”
“None, except that Mount Laurels in Spring has grown dear to me; and we have engagements in London. I am not quick, I suppose, at new projects. I have ordered the yacht to be fitted out for a cruise in the Mediterranean early in the Summer. There is an objection, I am sure—yes; papa has invited Mr. Tuckham here for Easter.”
“We could carry him with us.”
“Yes, but I should wish to be entirely under your tutelage in Rome.”
“We would pair: your father and he; you and I.”
“We might do that. But Mr. Tuckham is like you, devoted to work; and, unlike you, careless of Antiquities and Art.”
“He is a hard and serious worker, and therefore the best of companions for a holiday. At present he is working for the colonel, who would easily persuade him to give over, and come with us.”