CHAPTER X.
MR. RICHARD TALLANT INTERRUPTS A CHARMING TÊTE-À-TÊTE.
“Ahem! pleasant occupation truly,” said Mr. Richard Tallant, planting himself in the centre of the summer-house doorway, and contemplating the ladies, who stared in astonishment at the apparition.
“Any objection to take me into your embraces?” he went on, smiling, walking up to Miss Tallant, kissing her on the forehead, and bowing very politely to her companion.
“Why, how long have you been standing there, Richard?” asked Miss Tallant, in some confusion.
“Not long,” said Richard, fixing his eyes on Miss Somerton; “but long enough to be delighted at the charming picture of affection which you presented to the view.”
“You have brought your town compliments with you, Richard,” said Phœbe. “I fear they will be wasted upon us poor provincials.”
“I hope not; as I have come down to spend a couple of days with you,” said Richard.
Miss Somerton said nothing, but she was convinced, by Mr. Tallant’s manner, that he had heard at least a portion of her conversation with his sister.
“I am sorry I interrupted your tête-à-tête,” said Mr. Tallant. “I fear my sudden presence has not pleased Miss Somerton. You see, I wanted a little rest and quiet, and hearing that Mr. Hammerton was at home I thought I would first run down, spend a couple of days with you and the governor, and then ride over to Montem and see a certain noble swell, who has a little business with me. When I got to the house, I found nobody in; so I followed you up here and smoked my cigar. I have enjoyed the walk, I assure you; ’pon my honour, I have not had such a treat for a long time.”
Mr. Tallant and Amy Somerton eyed each other more than once during this little speech, and Amy was more and more convinced that Richard Tallant had played the listener, which made her for a time constrained in her manner; by-and-by she threw over her anxiety a forced liveliness, which did not escape the notice of Mr. Tallant.