Christobelle could not tell why she coloured at the question, or why she turned her face from the speaker towards the Douglas Isle. Sir John Spottiswoode repeated his question.
"But why not to-morrow, Miss Wetheral? Why cannot we begin our tour to-morrow?"
"I believe the Duke of Forfar calls at Fairlee to-morrow," she replied.
"Will that detain you?" said her companion, looking at her with a smile.
"Not altogether—no. Lord Farnborough said something about coming too; and, as he named the time, I think perhaps I ought to remain at home."
"I do not know the nature of the understanding implied by the mention of the intended visit to you," observed Sir John Spottiswoode, "therefore I cannot offer an opinion."
"Oh! there was nothing implied—no absolute—I made no promise of any kind."
"You did not engage to remain at Fairlee?"
"Certainly not—no, I may say, certainly not."