The judge took snuff.
Poor Caleb fell into the snare. “Miss Royall, do sit down,� he urged, pushing forward the chair.
Diana’s chin went up; her eyes sparkled. “Thank you, I only came for that bolt of pink ribbon,� she said grandly, indicating it with her parasol, and then, opening her purse, “How much is it?�
“It’s sold,� said Trench, and shut his lips like a steel trap.
Diana turned crimson. “Oh,� she said, then she swung around and drew her arm through Miss Sarah’s thin black silk-clad elbow, that was like the hook of a grappling iron. “I think you were going?� she cooed.
The old lady hesitated, confused. “I—I—� she began.
“Here’s the carriage,� said Diana sweetly, and drew her out of the door; “there’s room for you, judge,� she called back, not even glancing at Trench.
“I’ll walk,� said the judge, “I’m a young man yet; don’t you forget it, my girl!�
Diana laughed. “The youngest I know, in heart,� she said, and waved her hand as they drove off.
The judge looked at Caleb soberly. “You’ve done it, young man,� he said quietly.