“If it is a freak, it is mine,” said Graeme, quietly. “Rose needs a change. She is not ill, but still she is not quite well, and I am very glad she is to go with Miss Goldsmith.”
“A change,” repeated Harry. “Why could she not go with Fanny to the seaside, if she needs a change?”
“But Fanny is not going for several weeks yet. Rose will be home before that time. She will not be away more than a fortnight, I hope.”
“A fortnight, indeed! What has the time to do with it? It is the going at all that is so foolish: You astonish me, Graeme.”
“You astonish me, Harry! Really I cannot understand why you should care so much about it.”
“Well, well! If you are pleased, and she is pleased, I need not trouble myself about it,” said Harry, sulkily.
“What has happened to you, Harry?” said Fanny. “You are not like yourself, to-night.”
“He is a great deal more like the Harry of old times,” said Graeme. “Like the Harry you used to know long ago, Mr Millar, than like the reasonable, dignified person we have had among us lately.”
“I was just thinking so,” said Mr Millar.
“Why should not Rosie go?” persisted Fanny. “I think it must be a very stupid place, from all that Etta says; still, if Rose wishes it, why should she not go?”