‘You stupid girl! have I not already told you that Sir William is nearly sure to refuse his consent, and that Archie’s engagement with this Miss Loraine may be broken off at any moment. Then will come your opportunity. Archie seemed very fond of you at one time, and there’s no reason why he should not become fond of you again. Young men’s fancies are as changeable as the wind, as you ought to know quite well by this time.’
Bella only shrugged her shoulders and sauntered slowly over the bridge.
The expression of Lady Renshaw’s face changed the moment she found herself alone, and her thoughts reverted to a topic over which they had busied themselves earlier in the day.
‘So this high and mighty Madame De Vigne—this person whom nobody seems to know anything about—could not condescend to come in the same wagonette with us poor mortals! She and her sister must follow in a carriage by themselves, forsooth! Last evening, when we got back from the lake, she had retired for the night; this morning, she breakfasted in her own room. I feel more convinced than ever that there’s some mystery about her. If I could but find out what it is! Of course, in such a case it would become my duty at once to communicate with Sir William.’
Miss Wynter came back over the bridge, but much more quickly than she had gone. ‘Oh, look, aunt!’ she exclaimed; ‘I declare there’s D—— I mean Mr Golightly, standing yonder, gazing at the water, and all alone.’
Lady Renshaw took a survey of the young man through her glasses. Feeling safe in his disguise, Richard had now discarded some portions of the clerical-looking costume he had worn yesterday, and was attired this morning more after the style of an ordinary tourist.
‘You had better stroll gently along in the same direction,’ remarked her ladyship. ‘Poor young man, he looks very lonely!’
‘But I can’t leave you alone, aunt.’
‘Never mind about me. Besides, I see that dear vicar and Dr M‘Murdo coming this way.’
Lady Renshaw turned to greet Miss Gaisford and the two gentlemen, who were still a little distance off.