"Up stream or down?" he asked, as he handed her in and took place beside her.
"Up," she said.
"Give way," he ordered, and the eight oars that had been raised high in salute dropped as one, and they shot out into the stream.
The Lady Mary settled herself among the cushions, one arm thrown carelessly around the awning post.
"What nonsense it is," she remarked presently.
De Lacy nodded. "Doubtless—but what?"
"This foolish dissimulation we all play at; … this assumed indifference which deceives no one. Here are we, barging together on the Thames, when you would rather have the Countess … and I would rather have Ware."
"But would they rather have us?"
"I am quite sure she would, and" … holding up a hand and slowly flashing the rings … "I think he would, too."
"If you happen to know which way they went," De Lacy laughed, "we might follow and suggest an exchange."