She spoke with such calm assurance that Katherine was troubled. She swiftly determined to ask Captain Franklin to put an extra guard at the stables, then Beatrice laughed.
"Poor Kit," she said affectionately, "why, you look as solemn as a priest! You don't think I'd go away and leave you, do you? You're too sweet," she cooed, rubbing her soft cheek against her cousin's.
Forsyth, coming back with the sewing, was transfixed with sudden envy of Mrs. Howard. "I thought you were never coming," said the girl, smiling.
"Did it seem long?" he asked, dazed by the implied compliment, for he had been in great haste.
"Yes," said Beatrice; "but it wasn't your fault. It was because I was being lectured."
Katherine's face grew delicately pink, and she looked at Beatrice imploringly.
"Lectured!" repeated Forsyth. "Why, what for?"
"She said I flirted—with you and Mr. Ronald."
"When?"