The interview we have described had not passed without observers, we have said.
'Fettercairn, look how Miss Carlyon and Shafto are flirting near the Swan's Pool!' said the Lady of that Ilk, drawing her husband's attention to the pair from a window of the drawing-room.
'What makes you think they are doing so?' he asked, but nevertheless with knitted brows.
'Cannot you see it?'
'No; it is so long since I did anything in that way myself that really I—aw——'
'See with what empressement he bends down to address her, and she keeps her head down, too, though she seems to crest it up at times.'
'But she edges away from him palpably, as if she disliked what he is saying, and, by Jove, she looks indignant, too!'
'That may be all acting, in suspicion that she is observed, or it may be to lure him on; one never knows what may be passing in a girl's mind—if she thinks herself attractive especially.'
'Well—to me they seem quarrelling,' said Lord Fettercairn.
'Quarrelling—and with my companion! How could Shafto condescend to do so?'