"I am quite accustomed to it," she said indifferently.
Judith felt so much indignation at the lack of feeling shown by this remark that she drew her hand away from the Colonel's arm, and dropped behind to walk with her brother. This left Miss Devenish to the Count's escort, an arrangement which continued until Barbara left the party. The Count then requested the honour of being allowed to conduct her home; Colonel Audley, who was obliged to call at Headquarters, made no objection, and Miss Devenish found herself once more in the company of Sir Peregrine, Lady Worth and Colonel Audley walking ahead of them.
After a few moments, Judith said in a vexed tone: "You will surely not permit her to behave with such impropriety!"
"I see no impropriety," he replied.
"To be alone with that man the whole day!"
"An indiscretion, certainly."
She walked on beside him in silence for some way, but presently said: "Why do you permit it?"
"I have no power to stop her even if I would."
"Even if you would? What can you mean?"
"She must be the only judge of her own actions. I won't become a mentor."