"We were such strangers, you see," urged Fenella, with gentle reproof. "That time in France shouldn't have counted at all."
"If it did, the score was on your side," the baronet said quickly. "But I'm content so long as you don't mark it against me."
"Then you hinted people were talking about me," Nelly went on, reddening, but gaining confidence. "It was that worried me. It was so vague."
"We were interrupted just then," Lumsden reminded her. "A word or two would have explained, but you wouldn't let me get near you the whole evening."
"Why should I? When women are talked about it's never well."
"Oh, isn't it?" said Lumsden. "I'm not a philanthropist, but I assure you I've done my part bravely in holding lots of shaky reputations together."
She raised her head now, and looked him quite proudly in the eyes.
"Thank you. I'm not conscious mine's in bad repair."
It was a different voice and another woman. Lumsden leaned over the parapet and gathered a handful of snow.
"Snow's packing," he said. "We'll have sleighing after lunch. Ever been on a bob-sleigh?"