Greatly fortified by this interview, Lady Valleys rejoined her daughter in the ear; but while it slid on amongst the multitudinous traffic, signs of unwonted nervousness began to start out through the placidity of her face.
“I wish, my dear,” she said suddenly, “that someone else had to do this. Suppose Eustace refuses!”
“He won't,” Barbara answered; “she looks so tired, poor dear. Besides——”
Lady Valleys gazed with curiosity at that young face, which had flushed pink. Yes, this daughter of hers was a woman already, with all a woman's intuitions. She said gravely:
“It was a rash stroke of yours, Babs; let's hope it won't lead to disaster.”
Barbara bit her lips.
“If you'd seen him as I saw him! And, what disaster? Mayn't they love each other, if they want?”
Lady Valleys swallowed a grimace. It was so exactly her own point of view. And yet——!
“That's only the beginning,” she said; “you forget the sort of boy Eustace is.”
“Why can't the poor thing be let out of her cage?” cried Barbara. “What good does it do to anyone? Mother, if ever, when I am married, I want to get free, I will!”