Vere sat down by her mother and put one arm round her. Subtly she was trying to make up to her mother for the little secret she was keeping from her for a time.
“Are you very, very pleased?”
“Yes, I think I am.”
“Think! You mischievous Madre!”
Hermione laughed.
“But I feel almost jealous of you two sitting here in the cool, and having a quiet tea and a lovely talk while—Never mind. Here is my tea. And there’s another thing. Oh, Emile, I do wish I had known you would arrive to-day!”
“Why specially?”
“I’ve committed an unusual crime. I’ve made—actually—an engagement for this evening.”
Artois and Vere held up their hands in exaggerated surprise.
“Are you mad, my dear Hermione?” asked Artois.