“Oh, but certainly! She will be delighted,” said Eustacie. “ Du vrai, she would like very much to call upon you at the Dower House, because it is such a very old house, and that is with her a veritable passion. But I said, No, it would not be convenable.”
Miss Thane cast her a look of considerable respect, and tried to assume the expression of an eager archaeologist.
The Beau said politely: “I should be honoured by a visit from Miss Thane, but surely the Court would be better worth her study?”
“Yes, but you must know that I will not go to the Court with her,” said Eustacie glibly. “Tristram is very angry, and I do not wish that there should be any awkwardness.”
The Beau raised his brows. “Is Tristram importuning you to marry him?” he inquired.
Not having any exact knowledge of what Tristram had told him, Eustacie thought it prudent to return an evasive answer. She spread out her hands, and said darkly: “It is that he gave his word to Grandpère, you know. I do not understand him.”
“Ah!” sighed the Beau, running his hand gently up and down the riband of his quizzing-glass. “You are, of course, an heiress.” He let that shaft sink in, and continued smoothly: “I have never been able to feel that you and Tristram were quite made for each other, but I confess your sudden flight took me by surprise. They tell me that your ride was fraught with adventure, too. Some tale of smugglers—but I dare say much exaggerated.”
“I suppose,” said Miss Thane opportunely, “that there is a great deal of smuggling done in these parts?”
“I believe so,” he responded. “I have always understood that my great-uncle encouraged the Trade.”
“Basil,” interrupted Eustacie, “is it permitted that I bring Miss Thane to the Dower House one morning, perhaps? I thought that you would be like Tristram, and try to make me go to Bath, but now I see that you are truly sympathique, and I do not at all mind coming with Sarah to call on you.”