"I do not think that there is much to see in Eastbourne, Jasper. What absurd creatures there are here. Look at that thing yonder, like a lettuce tied up at the top with bass."
"Shall we turn back?"
"Such women always make me cross. As if men were worth all the trouble!"
Courtesy, not necessity, put Jasper in the position of outrider. Rose was perfectly capable of driving alone across England, but when a thin-natured woman tries to be melting, she muddles the mingling of the wine and honey.
"I have a little basket under the seat, Jasper. Cold chicken and a bottle of wine. We can put up the horses at some farm, and make a meal under a tree."
Such feasting in Arcady was wholly outside Jasper's mood.
"Oh, yes, we could do that."
The tiredness of his voice piqued her.
"I believe you are sorry that the French did not come. I know; you have uncorked your courage and it has gone flat."
Jasper left her to think what she pleased.