Georgina was obliged to come forth from her hiding-place, for his path lay through the shrubbery, and he must have seen her. Her colour went and came fitfully as she held out her hand; her bosom heaved beneath the thin summer dress, a flowing robe of muslin, adorned with blue ribbons. Her large straw hat was hanging from her arm; and she began to talk freely and wildly--anything to cover her agitation. Their intercourse was familiar as that of brother and sister, for they had been intimate from childhood.
"Well, Georgie! In the wars as usual, I see, amidst the brambles."
He pointed to her robe, and she caught it up; a long bramble was trailing to it.
"It is your fault, sir. Hearing a strange voice, I came through the thorns to see who might be the intruder. What a strange, flighty way you have got into! Coming down by fits and starts, when no one expects you! We heard you were off to Finland, or some other of those agreeable spots. You'll frighten Castle Wafer into fits."
"Wrong, young lady. Castle Wafer sent for me."
"That's one of your stories," politely returned Georgina. "I was at Castle Wafer after breakfast this morning, and Mrs. St. John was regretting that you did not come down this autumn; some one else also, I think, though she did not say it."
He looked down at her as she spoke. There were times when he thought she divined the truth as regarded himself and Lady Anne St. John.
"I wonder," she continued, "that you have kept away so long."
"How is the dean?"
"He is not here--only mamma. Tell me; what has brought you down?"