"Come, my dear Miss Prosody," said the Colonel, complacently, leading her forth; he hadn't near done his recital of the morning's field-day, which required that delicate tact and judicious prompting to extort from him that, though not really Brigadier on the occasion, his opinion and authority had actually directed the proceedings.
Generally any amount of this affectionate incense was forthcoming from his wife and daughter; but to-night they both seemed a little distrait and occupied with Bertie, which, however, was a loss little felt with Miss Prosody present, whose motto seemed that of the volunteers, "Always ready," and her "soothing treatment" was certainly equal to that of either of the others.
"It's you and I, Miss Bluebell," said young Vavasour, hastily offering his arm, while Bertie who had hesitated an instant, gave his to Cecil. The momentary reluctance was not lost upon her, she become rather silent, ditto Captain Du Meresq; but their opposite neighbours were in a full flow of chatter.
"I saw you on the Rink, Miss Leigh, I wish I could skate like you. What is that thing you do with a broom??"
"The rose."
"Take a good deal of cultivating to produce. I should think? Are you going to the M'Nab's ball?"
"No; I am not asked. The others are."
"But you do go to balls sometimes?"
"Oh, yes; Mrs. Rolleston promised I should; but I can't go without an invitation, and I very seldom get one."
"I daresay not," said Jack hotly; "they don't want their daughters cut out."