“Richard is coming also; I have never been to the Derby, and I daresay we shall be a very pleasant party; I know I like it of all things. Here comes Richard—he sees me. Was my uncle David here?”
“No.”
“I hardly thought he was, but I saw Grace Maubray, and I fancied he might have come with her,” she said carelessly.
“Yes, she was here; she came with Lady Tramway. They went away about half-an-hour ago.”
So Richard joined her, and they walked to the house together, Vivian Darnley accompanying them.
“I think I saw you a little spooney to-day, Vivian, didn't I?” said Richard Arden, laughing. He remembered what Longcluse once said to him, about Vivian's tendre for his sister, and did not choose that Alice should suspect it. “Grace Maubray is a very pretty girl.”
“She may be that, though it doesn't strike me,” began Darnley.
“Oh! come, I'm too old for that sort of disclaimer; and I don't see why you should be so modest about it. She is clever and pretty.”
“Yes, she is very pretty,” said Alice.
“I suppose she is, but you're quite mistaken if you really fancy I admire Miss Maubray. I don't, I give you my honour, I don't,” said Vivian vehemently.