The Deanes had heard of her return, and were awaiting her in the drawing-room to go down to dinner. Lettice and the rest bantered her on her escapade.
"Staying out o' nights, Miss Rose," the Senator cried, jocosely. "And without a latch-key! What next?"
The next, for her, was to meet Gilbert Roe's eyes looking straight into her own. It was like the sudden onslaught of an ambushed foe, on a band marching in careless order. They form square if they can, and stand to their arms. It was well for her she had so recently looked to her armour. The shock to her nerves was severe, but her spirit rose in defiance. She recovered, without betraying herself before the crowded room, and was more than usually gay all through dinner. It was a relief, however, when the repast was ended, and she could saunter with Lettice along the sands away from curious eyes, and feel at ease.
"What a shock it must have been to you, Rose! I meant to have given you warning, but you came down so late, and the old folks were so hungry and impatient, that there was no chance.... However, you bore up splendidly--and now, it is over."
"Yes, I am glad it is over; and glad I did not know beforehand."
"If he is a gentleman, he will go first thing to-morrow morning."
"It is no matter whether he goes or stays."
"To think of his assurance! He came to me in the parlour, last night when I was dancing, to ask if you were here."
"Yes?" and there was a tone of softening in Rose's voice as she said it.
"But you may be sure I gave him no satisfaction."