Part 44 (1/2)
”Charlie! Charlie!” sounded from outside. ”Tea's ready.”
Calder rose and took Charlie by the arm.
”Should I be safe,” he asked solemnly, ”in allowing myself to fall in love with Miss Bush.e.l.l, or are you likely to step in again?”
”You mean it? Honor bright, Calder?”
”Yes.”
”Where's Bradshaw? By Jove, where's Bradshaw?”
”Bradshaw? What the devil has Bradshaw----?”
”Why, a train, man--a train to town.”
”I don't want to go to town, bless the man---”
”You! No, but I do. To town, Calder--to Agatha, you old fool.”
”Oh, that's your lay?”
”Yes, of course. I couldn't go back on you, but if you're off---”
”Charlie, old fellow, think again.”
”Go to the deuce! Where's that---?”
”Charlie, Charlie! Tea!”
”Hang tea!” he cried; but Calder dragged him off, telling him that to-morrow would do for Bradshaw.
At tea Charlie's spirits were very much better, and it was observed that Calder Wentworth paid marked attention to Millie Bush.e.l.l, so that, when they started for the Pool, Millie was prevailed upon to be one of the party, on the understanding that Mr. Went worth would take care of her. This time the expedition went off more quietly than it had previously, but at the last moment the ladies declared that they would, be late for dinner if they waited till it was time for Agatha Merceron to come.
”Oh, nonsense!” said Calder. ”Come over to the temple, Miss Bush.e.l.l. I won't upset the canoe.”
”Well, if you insist,” said Millie.
Then Mrs. Marland remarked in the quietest voice in the world---
”There's some one in the temple.”
”What?” cried Millie.
”Eh?” exclaimed Calder.
”Nonsense!” said Charlie.
”I saw a face at the window,” insisted Mrs. Marland.