"Had I known that, my dear Miss Ware, I should not have been tempted to remain out so long."
"No, no, dear child, I am not so selfish, for I know when once you begin to talk to Edwin there is no leaving off; but I hope you have not forgotten your pretty cousin to-night. You promised to bring her with you."
"Oh, yes, she is with us," said Mabel, turning round, but no Lucy was to be seen.
"Oh, Arthur is taking care of her, I believe," said Mr. Ware, "and they will be here soon, I dare say."
It was some little time, however, before they did appear, and then they were seen advancing down the gravel walk, both laughing, and Lucy with a very high colour.
"Why," said Mr. Ware, "you stole a march upon us, Arthur, where have you been keeping this young lady in the damp?"
"Are we at the chair of confession?" asked the young officer, still laughing.
"Yes, yes, every one confesses everything here; but sit down to tea first, and take off your bonnet, Miss Villars."
"Well then," said Clair, when they were comfortably seated at the tea-table, "I perceive I must apologise for a very grave offence in keeping Miss Lucy Villars so long absent; the whole crime, I fear, lies with me, I indeed, the scape-goat for every offender, must, I fear, take the blame on myself."
"Come, come, Arthur," said his uncle, "be laconic."