Bobbie stared at her--first fiercely--then exploded with laughter, shook off her hand and departed.
Lady Niton, evidently much pleased with herself, came back to the window where most of the other ladies stood watching the shooters with their line of beaters crossing the lawn toward the park beyond. "Ah!" she said, "I thought Alicia would see the last of them!"
For Miss Drake, in defiance of wind and spitting rain, was walking over the lawn the centre of a large group, with Marsham beside her. Her white serge dress and the blue shawl she had thrown over her fair head made a brilliant spot in the dark wavering line.
"Alicia is very picturesque," said Mrs. Fotheringham, turning away.
"Yes--and last summer Oliver seemed to be well aware of it," said Lady Niton, in her ear.
"Was he? He has always been very good friends with Alicia."
"He could have done without the waistcoat," said Lady Niton, sharply.
"Aren't you rather unkind? She began it last summer, and finished it yesterday. Then, of course, she presented it to him. I don't see why that should expose her to remarks."
"One can't help making remarks about Alicia," said Lady Niton, calmly, "and she can defend herself so well."
"Poor Alicia!"