She was conscious of
having rather neglected him at lunch, and there was a dancing something
in her own heart which impelled her to kindness and compunction. Was not
the good, inarticulate youth, too, going out into the wilds, his life
in his hands, in the typical English way? The soft look in her eyes
which expressed this mingled feeling did not mislead the recipient. He
had overheard Sir James Glide's message; he understood her.
Presently, Mrs. Roughsedge, seeing that it was a sunny day and the
garden looked tempting, asked to be allowed to inspect a new greenhouse
that Diana was putting up. The door leading out of the drawing-room to
the moat and the formal garden was thrown open; cloaks and hats were
brought, and the guests streamed out.
"You are not coming?" said Hugh Roughsedge to Diana.
At this question he saw a delicate flush, beyond her control, creep over
her cheek and throat.
"I--I am expecting Mr. Marsham," she said. "Perhaps I ought to stay."
Sir James Chide looked at his watch.
"He should be here any minute. We will overtake you, Captain
Roughsedge."
Hugh went off beside Mrs. Colwood. Well, well, it was all plain enough!
It was only a fortnight since the Marshams had gone up to town for the
Parliamentary season.
Pages:
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254