Any plan that Peregrine might have formed of deserting the barouche was nipped in the bud by his sister, who said so pointedly that she was glad to have the escort of one gentleman at least that there was nothing for him to do but jog along beside the carriage with the best grace he could muster.
Lavisse and Barbara soon allowed their horses to drop into a walk; the barouche outstripped them, and was presently lost to sight over the brow of a slight hill. Lavisse studied Barbara's profile with a faint smile, and said softly: "Little fool! Little adorable fool!"
"Don't tease me! I could weep with vexation!"
"I know well that you could. But why?"
"Oh, because I'm bored - tired - anything that you please!"
"It does not please me that you should be bored or tired. I do not wonder at it, however. For me, these saintly Englishwomen are the devil."
"I don't dislike Lady Worth, if only she would not look so disapproving."
"Consider, my Bab, she will do so all your life."
"Oh, confound her, I'll take care she don't get the chance!"
"Ma pauvre, I see you surrounded by prim relatives, growing staid - or mad!"