"My dear Miss Ponsonby, are not those clouds threatening? I have observed them some minutes with fearful forebodings: my dear Bell, fold your plaid round you, the air is becoming fresh."
The attention of the party was turned anxiously to the west, and General Ponsonby advised an immediate return to the opposite the boatmen to their oars, and Lord Farnborough took his vacant place by the side of Christobelle. His lordship spoke with much vehemence of manner.
"You have been bored with your neighbour, Miss Wetheral, yet you have preferred him to me."
"Captain Ponsonby did not weary me, my lord."
"I hate those talking fellows, yet ladies love to be attended by them. I can't think why all ladies like Ponsonby to run after them."
Christobelle was offended by Lord Farnborough's expressions. When his lordship attended her from Lochleven Castle to Fairlee Cove, all was courtesy and gallant bearing—but his lordship had become overbearing, and, if she might so express it, he was actually offensive in St. Mungo's Isle. She made no reply.
"Allow me to take charge of you to the shore, Miss Wetheral," continued his lordship.
Christobelle hesitated. "Captain Ponsonby, I believe—I rather think...."
"Of course I must give way," replied his lordship, drily, "of course every thing must give way to Captain Ponsonby."