Matthew Strang felt the tension in his brain relax.
“And are you going to?”
“No. I hate flattery. So I sacrificed Nor instead. Of course I shall go and sit by her, though not with her. Curious, the subtleties of language.”
“Then you will still chaperon her,” he said, with a joyous smile.
“I never neglect a pleasant duty,” she answered, placidly. “But we can only give him a few sittings.”
“Ah!” he interrupted, with an involuntary exclamation of relief.
“We’re leaving town.”
He looked blank now. “Are you, indeed?”
“Of course. Why are you surprised? Didn’t you think we were proper? Nor wanted the eternal Homburg or Switzerland, but I’m resolved to show her England. Like most travelled cockneys, she thinks England’s the capital of London, and I want to teach her geography, so we’re off to Devonshire.”
“She will enjoy Devonshire scenery.”