I _do_ so
like these white and black houses--wonderful old things. By-the-by, you
treated us very badly last night--you did, indeed; upon my word, now, it
really was too bad--running away, and drinking tea with Lady Knollys--so
she says. I really--I should not like to tell you how very savage I felt,
particularly considering how very short my time is.'
I was a shy, but not a giggling country miss. I knew I was an heiress; I
knew I was somebody. I was not the least bit in the world conceited, but
I think this knowledge helped to give me a certain sense of security and
self-possession, which might have been mistaken for dignity or simplicity.
I am sure I looked at him with a fearless enquiry, for he answered my
thoughts.
'I do really assure you, Miss Ruthyn, I am quite serious; you have no idea
how very much we have missed you.'
There was a little pause, and, like a fool, I lowered my eyes, and blushed.
'I--I was thinking of leaving today; I am so unfortunate--my leave is just
out--it is so unlucky; but I don't quite know whether my aunt Knollys will
allow me to go.'
'_I_?--certainly, my dear Charlie, _I_ don't want you at all,' exclaimed a
voice--Lady Knollys's--briskly, from an open window close by; 'what could
put that in your head, dear?'
And in went my cousin's head, and the window shut down.
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