And while he pondered, and now scanned his paper without reading it, and now stole another glance at her, he steeled himself against her. She might not have been to blame, it might not have been her fault; but, between them, the two on the boat had put him in his place and he could not forget it. He had cut a poor figure, and he resented it. He foresaw that in the future she would be dependent on him for society, and he would be a fool if he then forgot the lesson he had learned. She had a good face, but probably her up-bringing had been anything but good. Probably it had taught her to make the most of the moment and of the man of the moment, and he would be foolish if he let her amuse herself with him. He had seen in what light she viewed him when other game was afoot, and he would deserve the worst if he did not remember this.
Presently an embankment cut off the view, and she withdrew her eyes from the window. In her turn she took the measure of her companion. It seemed to her that his face was too thoughtful for his years, and that his figure was insignificant. The eye which had accustomed itself to Lord Audley’s port and air found Basset slight and almost mean. She smiled as she recalled the skill with which my lord had set him aside and made use of him.
Still, he was a part of the life to which she was hastening, and curiosity stirred in her. He was in possession, he was in close relations with her uncle, he knew many things which she was anxious to know. Much of her comfort might depend on him. Presently she asked him what her uncle was like.
“You will see for yourself in a few hours,” he replied, his tone cold and almost ungracious. “Did not Lord Audley describe him?”
“No. And you seem,” with a faint smile, “to be equally on your guard, Mr. Basset.”
“Not at all,” he retorted. “But I think it better to leave you to judge for yourself. I have lived too near to Mr. Audley to—to criticise him.”
She colored.
“Let me give you one hint, however,” he continued in the same dry tone; “you will be wise not to mention Lord Audley to him. They are not on good terms.”
“I am sorry.”
He shrugged his shoulders. “It cannot be said to be unnatural, after what has happened.”