"Why not indeed?" said the doctor, helping himself to another oyster. "That's why they exist."
"I suppose you're teasing," said Fanny, rather crossly.
"I am quite incapable of it," protested the doctor. "Shall we not all agree that duchesses exist for the envy and jealousy of mankind?"
"Womankind?" put in Diana. The doctor smiled at her, and finished his oyster. Brave child! Had that odious young woman been behaving in character that morning? He would like to have the dealing with her! As for Diana, her face reminded him of Cowper's rose "just washed by a shower"--delicately fresh--yet eloquent of some past storm.--Good Heavens! Where was that fellow Marsham? Philandering with politics?--when there was this flower for the gathering!
Luncheon was half-way through when a rattling sound of horses' hoofs outside drew the attention of the table.
"Somebody else coming to lunch," said Mr. Birch. "Sorry for 'em, Miss Mallory. We haven't left 'em much. You've done us so uncommon well."
Diana herself looked in some alarm round the table.
"Plenty, my dear lady, plenty!" said the doctor, on her other hand. "Cold beef, and bread and cheese--what does any mortal want more? Don't disturb yourself."
Diana wondered who the visitors might be. The butler entered.