"My election?" cried Marsham. Then he laughed. "I suppose he has been drawing the long bow, as usual. Am I impertinent?--or may I ask, how you came to know him?"
He looked at her smiling. Diana colored.
"My cousin Fanny made acquaintance with him--in the train."
"I see. Here are our two cousins--coming to meet us. Will you introduce me?"
For Fanny and Miss Drake were now returning slowly along the gravel path which led to the kitchen garden. The eyes of both girls were fixed on the pair advancing toward them. Alicia was no longer impassive or haughty. Like her companion, she appeared to have been engaged in an intimate and absorbing conversation. Diana could not help looking at her in a vague surprise as she paused in front of them. But she addressed herself to her cousin.
"Fanny, I want to introduce Mr. Marsham to you."
Fanny Merton held out her hand, staring a little oddly at the gentleman presented to her. Alicia meanwhile was looking at Diana, while she spoke--with emphasis--to Marsham.
"Could you order my horse, Oliver? I think we ought to be going back."
"Would you mind asking Sir James?" Marsham pointed to the upper terrace. "I have something to see to in the garden."
Diana said hurriedly that Mrs. Colwood would send the order to the stables, and that she herself would not be long. Alicia took no notice of this remark. She still looked at Oliver.