She answered at once.
“No. I think, somehow, I would rather not. And please don’t propose anything till you have seen more of what I can do.”
Canterton led the way towards the rosery to show her the roses he wanted her to paint, and in passing through one of the tunnels in the yew hedge they were dashed into by a child who came flying like a blown leaf. It was Eve who received the rush of the impetuous figure. Her hands held Lynette to save her from falling.
“Hallo!”
Lynette’s face lifted to hers with surprise and laughter, and a questioning shyness. Eve kept her hold for the moment. They looked at each other with an impulse towards friendliness.
“Lynette, old lady!”
“Daddy, Miss Vance has gone off——”
“Pop? Miss Carfax, let me introduce my daughter. Miss Lynette Canterton—Miss Carfax.”
Eve slid her hands from Lynette’s body, but the child’s hands clung and held hers.
“I’m so sorry. I hope it didn’t hurt? I don’t think I’ve seen you before.”