CHAPTER XXI
It was, however, unfortunate that Miss Ethel had to leave her lover and her sister together. Peckover, baulked of a kiss in one direction, was by no means above trying for one in another; and, while Ethel was getting off with the old love, thought he might as well utilize the opportunity in getting on with the new. And Miss Dagmar, save in the matter of temper, was quite as interesting an object for his attentions as her sister. What was considerably more to the point, her manner suggested that she was even more susceptible to his fascinations than Ethel.
"Well," he observed with a leer, "while they are settling their differences we've got to amuse ourselves, eh?"
A wild desire to cut her sister out on the spot took possession of Miss Dagmar. Lord Quorn was for the time out of the question, and even if he were available, she was certain that she would give herself a far better time by marrying the richer man.
"How shall we do that, Mr. Gage?" she asked, with an archly provocative glance at him.
"Well," responded Peckover, by no means at a loss, "suppose we try how much we can get to like one another in ten minutes."
"I'm afraid——" she began, when suddenly she became aware that his arm was round her waist.
"Don't be afraid, Dagmar," he entreated.
"I am," she returned, releasing herself. "I'm afraid you are a deceiver."