“Do you ride?” she asked, feeling perfectly indifferent as to his reply. “All soldiers do.”
This conversation was so profoundly insipid.
“Sometimes; but I hate it. I am always afraid of falling off. I go in for it because the regiment would not think much of me if I didn’t. But I hope I have not bored you,” with a sudden change of tone. “We are cousins, you know, and it is so funny how intimate I can be with you; there are so few women I like, or with whom I can be confidential.”
Launa ate an almond with deliberation.
“Perhaps some day you will come for a drive with me. I might hire a safe horse.”
“Oh, no, thank you. Please do not trouble, I do not like safe horses.”
Mr. Archer turned to Captain Carden and asked about Malta, and Launa watched Mrs. Phillips, who was talking very little, while Mr. Herbert’s conversation was incessant. His air was persuasive, his eyes eager, ardent, full of desire.
At ten the Cardens departed. Charley Carden had time to assure Launa again that she was the only woman with whom he could be confidential. Mrs. Phillips was to stay the night. Launa and she had bedrooms adjoining, with a door of communication. They both put on dressing-gowns, and Lily Phillips went into Launa’s room.
“You are not sleepy, are you? Shall we talk?”
“Sit here,” said Launa, “in this comfortable chair.”