CHAPTER XXVIII
MISKEPT ACCOUNTS
Vivienne kept her word. When Armour got up the next morning he found that she had already gone to the Pavilion with Stargarde.
With much inward chafing and impatience he listened to Judy, who prattled of her speedy return, and to Mrs. Colonibel who over their late breakfast table talked with languid irritability of several occurrences that had displeased her during the course of the ball.
During the day he called at the Pavilion. Vivienne was out and Stargarde received him.
“Yes, she has told me everything,” she said sympathetically; “and Stanton, you must have patience with her. She is in a terribly disturbed state of mind. You are so different from her and she is so young and does not altogether understand that your temperament is a total contrast to hers.”
“I have great respect for your judgment,” said Armour quietly. “I shall do as you say. Do you think that she will make a suitable wife for me?”
“Yes, oh yes,” said Stargarde enthusiastically; “but do not forget that it is not the master of Pinewood with whom she has fallen in love—it is the man. Your social position and wealth are small matters to her. It is your undivided attention that she craves.”
“She has it,” he said heartily, “as far as any woman can.”
“She will realize that in time; in the meantime one must give her a chance for reflection.”
“There is some difference between our ages,” said Armour uneasily. “I wish for her sake that I were a younger man.”