He did not. The lace at his cuff trembled on her bare arm. They stood very close together, she straining her head away from him so that her hair and scarf mingled floated out on the breeze and touched his breast.
"This is impossible," murmured Miss Boyle. "I must return." Suddenly she faced him. "Why are you doing this?"
He freed her hand.
"Read my actions by your own heart, Selina," he smiled. "You care for me, do you not? I cannot expect it put into words, but at least look at me."
"I think you must be heartless, or possessed, to-night, my lord."
She made a quick step back among the laurels, for as she spoke Sir Francis was upon them. He had come swiftly and silently, it seemed, down the path from the pavilion, and was within a step of them before they saw him.
"Miss Boyle—madam!" he cried, and looked from one to another in a breathless manner.
The Earl bowed with a slight air of mockery. He seemed pleased, elated, by this sudden incursion.
"Good even, Sir Francis!" he said.
Miss Boyle gathered herself together and took a step towards her cousin.