“Ferdinand will join us,” said Rose.
“Thank you, Rose, I’d rather not,” he replied. “I thought we had done with the fellow for good last night.”
“Last night?” quoth Lady Jocelyn.
No one spoke. The interrogation was renewed. Was it Rose’s swift instinct which directed her the shortest way to gain her point? or that she was glad to announce that her degrading engagement was at an end? She said:
“Ferdinand and Mr. Harrington came to an understanding last night, in my presence.”
That, strange as it struck on their ears, appeared to be quite sufficient to all, albeit the necessity for it was not so very clear. The carriage was ordered forthwith; Lady Jocelyn went to dress; Rose drew Ferdinand away into the garden. Then, with all her powers, she entreated him to join her.
“Thank you, Rose,” he said; “I have no taste for the genus.”
“For my sake, I beg it, Ferdinand.”
“It’s really too much to ask of me, Rose.”
“If you care for me, you will.”