'I only wish,' said her companion, 'you had ever given me the chance of being one. But don't these people bore one? I don't feel a bit inclined to-day to be bored.'
'No more do I,' said Maud, 'but I feel very cross with you all the same. Let us go and sit by the Fotheringhams.'
'Please do not,' said Desvoeux; 'here is a delightful nook, with a smooth stone for your table, and the stream making too much noise for any one to overhear us. It was evidently intended for you and me.'
So all the world had the opportunity, at lunch, of witnessing Desvoeux in the act of adoration; and Desvoeux, if he would let no one else have a chance of talking, had, Maud felt, plenty to say himself. It was indiscreet, but very pleasant. Even Mrs. Vereker grew alarmed, and making an excuse to pass close by them, came and whispered in Maud's ear a solemn 'Don't!'
'Don't what?' said Maud in ill-affected wonderment.
'Don't be a goose,' said her companion; 'Mr. Desvoeux, would you be good-natured and go and fetch me some ice-pudding, while I sit and talk to Mrs. Sutton?'
'With pleasure,' said Desvoeux, smothering his resentment as best he could; 'but where am I to sit when I come back?'
'You need not come back for half-an-hour,' said Mrs. Vereker quietly; 'go and talk with some one else. I see I must keep you young people both in order.'
Desvoeux went off in dudgeon, and Mrs. Vereker lost no time in supplying his place. 'Ah, Mr. Boldero!' she said, 'come and be amusing, please, and give us the latest news from Dustypore.'
For once in his life Boldero thought Mrs. Vereker very nice.
'Be amusing!' thought Maud; 'why does not she ask him to fly to the moon at once? Only Mr. Desvoeux can be that.'
And so it proved. Even Mrs. Vereker could not make conversation go. Boldero was stiff, uncordial and ill at ease. Maud was vexed, and did not care to conceal it. It was a relief when General Beau appeared, and Maud, in a pet, asked him to take her to the waterfall.
The General, who had been intending to perform the pilgrimage with Mrs. Vereker, did not betray that he was disconcerted, and professed his delight at the suggestion.
'But,' said Maud, 'can we trust those two naughty people together? My dear Mrs. Vereker, "Don't!"'