“I did not think he knew the Roxburys. He certainly has not known them long,” said Graeme.
“No, not very long—at least, not Miss Amy, who has only just returned home, you know. But I think she was not at the root of his trouble; at least, not directly. I think he has found out a slight mistake of his, with regard to ‘his friend and partner.’ That is what vexed him,” said Rose.
“I don’t know what you mean?” said Graeme, gravely. “I should think Harry could hardly be seriously mistaken in his friend by this time, and certainly I should not feel inclined to laugh at him.”
“Oh! no. Not seriously mistaken; and I don’t think he was so much vexed at the mistake, as that I should know it.”
“I don’t understand you,” said Graeme.
“It does not matter, Graeme. It will all come out right, I daresay. Harry was vexed because he saw that I was laughing at him, and it is just as well that he should be teased a little.”
“Rose, don’t go yet. What is there between you and Harry that I don’t know about? You would not willingly make me unhappy, Rose, I am sure. Tell me how you have vexed each other, dear. I noticed it to-night, and I have several times noticed it before. Tell me all about it, Rose.”
“There is nothing to tell, Graeme, indeed. I was very much vexed with Harry once, but I daresay there was no need for it. Graeme, it is silly to repeat it,” added Rose, reddening.
“There is no one to hear but me, dear.”
“It was all nonsense. Harry took it into his head that I had not treated his friend well, when he was out West, at Norman’s, I mean. Of course, we could not fall into home ways during his short visit there; everything was so different. But I was not ‘high and mighty’ with him, as Harry declared afterwards. He took me to task, sharply, and accused me of flirting, and I don’t know what all, as though that would help his friend’s cause, even if his friend had cared about it, which he did not. It was very absurd. I cannot talk about it, Graeme. It was all Harry’s fancy. And to-night, when Mr Millar spoke so admiringly of Amy Roxbury, Harry wasn’t pleased, because he knew I remembered what he had said, and he knew I was laughing at him. And I fancy he admires the pretty little thing, himself. It would be great fun to see the dear friends turn out rivals, would it not?” said Rose, laughing.