He soon came up to take his leave. He was escorting his sister, whose head just topped his broad shoulder. In spite of the difference in colouring there was a remarkable likeness between them. Spiritually, too, they seemed to be akin; they delighted in the same mischief, used the same careless, engaging manners, shocked the world like children anxious to attract attention to themselves. Judith, confronting them, admitted their charm, and looked indulgently on such a handsome couple.
"I have spent a capital evening, Lady Worth," said George. "When you give your next party I hope you may send me a card. I shall certainly come."
"Of course," she replied. "I am glad you took your ourage in your hands and came tonight. It would have been a sad thing not to have seen your sister after riding it that way for the purpose."
"Did he tell you he had come expressly to see me?" said Barbara. "George, what a liar you are! Depend upon it, Lady Worth, he had quite another quarry in mind. Shall I see you at the Review tomorrow?"
"At Nivelles? Oh no! It is too far - and only a review of Belgian troops. I shall wait to see our own troops reviewed, I believe."
"Then we shall not meet. But you will be at the Duke's party, I daresay, on Friday. "Oh, where is Charles? He must procure an invitation for George!"
She drew her hand from her brother's arm as she spoke, and darted off to find the Colonel. She soon came back with him; he promised that a card should be sent to George, and accompanied them both to the door of the carriage. George shook hands at parting, and said warmly: "You're a good fellow: I wish you happy - though I don't above half like to find Bab engaged to a damned staff officer, I can tell you!"
"We all have our crosses!" retorted the Colonel. "Mine is to be saddled with a Hyde Park soldier for a brother-in-law."
"Oh, the devil! You know, you're so puffed up, you Peninsular men, that there's no bearing with you! Goodnight: I shall see you on Friday, I suppose?"
He got into the carriage beside his sister and settled himself in one corner. "Well, that makes the tenth since Childe died," he remarked.