Frances came to the rescue.
"It's all right, Mrs Purchas--Miss Gilbert is not very well; it's my fault for making her come out."
She drew the girl away, intending to lead her back to the house, which she inwardly realised that she had been foolish to induce her to leave. Dorothy certainly was exasperatingly trying. But there was worse to follow--they were waylaid on the road; this time by Mr Jim Vernon, who escorted a masculine acquaintance, the tale of whose years was eloquently suggested by a question which he had addressed to Jim:
"I say, Jim, who's that ripping-looking girl who's with your sister?"
And Jim had responded:
"She's a topper, my boy--a fair topper. But, as I'm in a generous mood, if you'll come along with me I'll do the needful." So they went along together, and they came to Miss Vernon and her friend; and Jim immediately observed, in that free-and-easy way which is popular with latter-day youth: "Awfully glad to see you, Miss Gilbert--frightful blow when I was told you weren't showing. Mr Denman--Miss Gilbert."
Mr Denman acknowledged the introduction with the remark:
"Gilbert!--that name's rather in the air just now. Ever been to Newcaster, Miss Gilbert?"
Jim asked:
"Why Newcaster?"