"I'd just as soon—I'm going to row you across."
"No, you're not; I came with Cousin Rob and I'm going back with him."
"Suit yourself," returned the Ensign, good-humouredly, "the river is a public highway; but I'm going over to dinner."
He was there first, and had wheedled an invitation from Mrs. Mackenzie before they got into the house. "Put me next to Beatrice, please," he said, as they came in.
During dinner every one was in high spirits except Robert, who knew that he must efface himself all the afternoon. Some way, it was harder to have Ronald there than to know that he was with her at the Fort.
However, he felt a wicked thrill of satisfaction when Beatrice pushed back her chair and began to gather up the dishes. "You needn't do that, Bee," remonstrated Mrs. Mackenzie.
"I'm going to help you, Aunty, and then I'm going to take a nap. I'm dreadfully sleepy."
Ronald's face fell. "You're lazy," he said reproachfully.
"No, I'm not," she returned; "but I have to get rested, because to-morrow I'm going to wash Queen."