"Pooh! He would be sent about his business as quickly as the next one, if he got sentimental. He is the fidus achates—he does not want to be more."
"I see—well, it is a rare man who can be fidus achates to a handsome woman, without wishing to be more."
"Still the cynic?" laughed Plater.
"Very much!—it is against human nature."
A little later, Parkington chanced upon Miss Marbury near the sun-dial, in the garden.
"I hear that Long-Sword has escaped," she said, "and that father refused to permit a search for him, is it true?"
"Yes—he said he was not going to have your house-party disturbed by chasing a pirate, who was trying his best to get away—that he has had enough of pirates."
"How like father!"
"Your father is a very sensible man."
She gave him an appreciative look, which was not lost on him.