“There are thieves also on English railways, Dorise,” Hugh remarked. “People are far too prone to exaggerate the shortcomings of foreigners, and close their eyes to the faults of the British.”
“But everybody is not so cosmopolitan as you are, Hugh,” the girl laughed, raising her eyes to those of her lover.
“No,” he replied with a sigh.
“Why do you sigh?” asked the girl, having noticed a change in her companion ever since they had met in the Rooms. He seemed strangely thoughtful and preoccupied.
“Did I?” he asked, suddenly pulling himself together. “I didn’t know,” he added with a forced laugh.
“You don’t look yourself to-day, Hugh,” she said.
“I’ve been told that once before,” he replied. “The weather—I think! Are you going over to the bal blanc at Nice to-night?”
“Of course. And you are coming also. Hasn’t mother asked you?” she inquired in surprise.
“No.”
“How silly! She must have forgotten. She told me she intended to ask you to have a seat in the car. The Comte d’Autun is coming with us.”