“All girls don’t do it now!” grunted the Squire.
“My dear, you look far nicer without it.” This was the General’s second venture. I turned to the Squire and asked solemnly, “Do I?” and he gave one quick look, and then stared past me—through me—blankly into space.
“I am no judge,” he said curtly.
Well, let me be honest! It was flirtatious of me, I knew it was, and hurried to rub off the powder, and get back to my briskest, most business-like manner. As we had paid three entrance fees, we were entitled to a treasure apiece, if we could find them, and I insisted upon keeping up the search to the very last moment. It amused the General; it amused me; I honestly believe that it amused Mr Maplestone, as far as he was capable of being amused. He was quite human; once or twice, as we rushed after a “scent,” he was even lively. I began to think he might really be quite nice.
We found one other parcel—a box of cigarettes—and then made our way back to the lawn, where the General’s valet was waiting, and took over the chair. Delphine came up to me and slipped her hand through my arm.
“Evelyn, you have managed beautifully, but you must be dead tired and longing for tea. I’m going to stand over you and make you rest. Stupid of Jacky to send the Squire to help you! You’d have been happier with anyone else, but he’s so dense, so in the clouds, that he doesn’t notice these things. Evelyn, isn’t it strange how he dislikes you?”
“Who? Your husband?”
“Nonsense. No. You know quite well—Mr Maplestone. At first, of course, one can understand he was prejudiced; but now! And when you have been so nice!”
“Thank you for that. I’m glad you appreciate me. Why are you so sure the Squire does not?”
“Because,” she said imperturbably, “he tells me so!”