'But Dane,' with an uneasy little laugh, 'I really think you are to blame, to allow this little ladyso very young a lady as she isto run about alone at night in this way. I have really been anxious. I thought you would be a better guardian, when you had the keys once safe.'
'Will you have some salad, Prudentia?'
'Salad?O no, my dear! I think it is very unwholesome.'
'Take some ice.'
A turn, or at least a check, was given to the conversation. Mrs. Coles could not refuse the ice. Primrose would eat no supper, and was evidently longing to get her sister away. Rollo cut for Hazel a slice of game.
'But Dane,' said Mrs. Coles presently, 'don't you think it is very imprudent to eat such heavy things late at night? Coffee and salad, and game? This ice is delicious.'
'So is the salad,' said Dane. 'Will you have a bit of the pheasant,
Prudentia?'
'My dear! no. I don't see how you reconcile it with your new principles, either, to have such suppers.'
Rollo's eye had a flash of laughter in it as it went to Wych Hazel.
He asked gravely, 'Why not?'
'Mr. Rollo and I have agreed about partridges,'said Hazel, in whom also fun was beginning to stir, though her eyes kept a far-off look now and then.