'My father laughs at her. He loves to hear her talk. So does Elise, although she and my aunt are sworn enemies'—Marion smiled—'But Aunt Keziah has unsettled Elise a little, I think. Elise has a great hankering after gaiety. Do you know, Roger, my father has written asking my Aunt Constance to visit us from London. I have never seen her, but like you with my Aunt Keziah, I am in terror of her already. Aunt Keziah says (rather scornfully, I think, to hide her envy) that Aunt Constance is one of the greatest ladies at Court.'
'Why did the Admiral ask her then?' innocently inquired Roger. 'Garth is not the place for a Court beauty.'
'My father loves to be entertained. Apart from that, he thinks I am growing up entirely lacking in the airs and graces that do become a young lady,' said Marion demurely. 'And if my aunt will not come here, perhaps I may go to her.'
'What! You go to London—you?'
'I, sir, I. Why not?'
Roger stood still and looked down at the mocking face, the black bars of his eyebrows drawn together.
'I think the Admiral must be going mad! London! Pshaw! The Court!—airs, graces, forsooth! Intrigues and ferments. Discontent with the simple life you are so contented with now. Why cannot the Admiral let well alone?'
Marion gave one of her father's sudden chuckles.
'You won't be here to see the result of my father's folly, you know. You'll be out on the seven seas adventuring. What can the happenings down here count for a sailor? Now, if you cannot hold that basket carefully, give it to me.'
'I say the Admiral is mad,' said the young man again, kicking at the stones in his path. 'What would the world be were one ten times a sailor, without places like Garth and Marions living in them? 'Tis for men to go abroad, and maids to stay at home—or, if one of you must go, let Elise go, who has a craving for society, and to become an elegant lady.'