“Won’t that be jolly?” cried Peggy.
The skates were found at the lodge, where Vansittart coolly appropriated a pair belonging to one of the little girls at the nearest parsonage, and the lesson was given. A lesson was also given to Eve, who skated fairly well, but not so well as Vansittart after one winter’s experience in Norway and another in Vienna. Sefton came strolling on to the ice while they were skating, and tried to monopolize Miss Marchant; but the young lady treated him in rather an off-hand manner, greatly to Vansittart’s delight. He hung about the lake for some time talking to one or another of his neighbours, most of the young people of the neighbourhood and a good many of the middle-aged being assembled this fine morning. Towards one o’clock he came up to Eve, who was playing hockey with a number of girls. “Is the Colonel at home?” he asked.
“Yes, father came home last night.”
“Then I’ll walk over and see him. It’s a splendid day for a good long tramp. Let me know when you and your sisters are leaving, that I may walk with you. That road is uncommonly lonely for girls.”
“You are very kind; but we are never afraid of the road. And to-day we are not going home for ever so long,” added Eve, joyously. “We are going to lunch with Lady Hartley.”
“That alters the case,” said Sefton, prodigiously surprised. “Then I’ll look your father up another day, when I can be of some use as an escort. I dare say Mr. Vansittart will see you home.”
“Haven’t I told you that we want no escort?” exclaimed Eve, impatiently. “One would think there were lions between here and Fernhurst.”
“There are frozen-out gardeners and such-like, I dare say. Quite as bad as lions,” he answered, as he turned on his heel, jealous and angry.
This fellow was evidently pursuing her with some kind of suit, Vansittart thought. Could he mean to marry her? Could any man with an established position in the county mean to ally himself with Colonel Marchant?
Vansittart had seen the two talking, but had not been near enough to hear what they said. He rejoiced at seeing Sefton walk away discomfited. There was anger in the carriage of his head as he turned away from her. He had been snubbed evidently. But if she snubbed him to-day, must she not have sometimes encouraged his attentions? He had all the manner of a man to whom certain rights have been given.