“I’ll be professional murderer too!” cried little Guy, gulping a little over the long words, whereat they all laughed, and Ronald made such a raid upon the teapot that it had to be sent out to be replenished.
Miss Adene told her budget of family news. She was one of those delightful members of a family, popular with every branch, who have leisure to go about from house to house and act as a connecting-link between those who can seldom meet. She never had an unkind thing to say, was never known to make a particle of mischief, though such persons have endless opportunities of doing this if they have the disposition for it, or are lacking in tact and discrimination. Everybody was glad to see her come, and sorry when her visit ended. She was popular alike with young and old, and had always an interesting way of telling her news that gave it a charm independent of the subject.
After dinner, when Lady Dumaresq and her aunt were alone together, she eagerly asked for her opinion about Guy.
“He looks quite as well as I expected, Violet; but, of course, one can see that he will have to be very careful for some time to come. An illness like that leaves traces behind for a very long time. Still, I don’t see any reason for undue anxiety. He has a fine constitution, and is a young man still. He has everything in his favour, and I cordially approve of taking him away next winter. He will gain ground during the warm weather, but he would very likely lose it in the winter; whereas, if he can be out in Madeira, or somewhere where he can go on living out of doors, and then come back again to another summer here, he would probably get quite sound and well.”
“I told him what you had said about Madeira and coming with us, and the idea quite took his fancy. It is the first time he has shown any enthusiasm over the thought of going away. If he can be brought to like it that will be a great step.”
“Oh, we will make him like it!” cried Miss Adene brightly. “I will tell him things about Madeira that will make his mouth water. Such rainbows hanging over the hills—such sunsets! And everything so curious and semi-barbaric in the town; and yet every English comfort within doors. Oh, we will make him take to the plan! And it’s a fine place for children; they thrive amazingly there! We can take little Guy with us. But it will leave Ronald rather lonely.”
“I expect Ronald will come with us—for a month or two, at least.”
“What, in the middle of the hunting season—or the beginning—for I should not be later than October starting!”
“Well, I fancy Ronald will come out with us. He is fond of travelling, and is an excellent sailor; and living alone would be a dreary thing for him. He always likes company.”
“I wonder he does not marry. Is he engaged?”