The young man halted, forcing his companion to do the same, and with his eyes fixed on a figure pacing up and down the opposite alley, he remarked, "I suppose she is one of the reigning belles here?"
"Rather a solitary belle," laughed his cousin.
"I should think even a belle might enjoy solitude at times," rejoined Maurice, argumentatively.
The lady, Mrs. Clare Felton, slightly raised one shoulder, indicating thereby that the point in question did not interest her, and asked, "Shall we walk on?"
"Couldn't you introduce me? That's a good soul, do."
"My dear cousin, it is impossible: the girl has a particular aversion to me."
"Nonsense, Clare! Don't be ill-natured the first day I arrive. How do you know she has?"
"We are neighbors at Felton, and—"
"Neighbors in the country, I perceive. Did their chickens destroy your flower-beds, or their cock wake you by crowing at unearthly hours in the morning? Had they a barking dog they refused to part with, or was it the servants?"
"If you mean to be sarcastic I shall need support. Now go on, and, notwithstanding your provoking innuendo, I will try to satisfy your curiosity."