His horses
were spoken of as demigods, and his projected fishing operations
for June and July became matters of most intense interest. Evil
things were said of Arabella Trefoil, but in all the evil things
said no hint was given that Lord Rufford had behaved badly or had
been in danger. Lady Penwether, not quite knowing the state of his
mind, thought that there might still be some lurking affection for
the young lady. "Did you ever see anybody look so vulgar and
hideous as she did when she marched across the park?" asked Lady
Penwether.
"Thank goodness I did not see her," said Miss Penge.
"I never saw her look so handsome as when she came up to me," said
Lord Rufford.
"But such a thing to do!"
"Awful!" said Miss Penge.
"She is the pluckiest girl I ever came across in my life," said
Lord Rufford. He knew very well what they were at, and was already
almost inclined to think that they might as well be allowed to have
their way. Miss Penge was ladylike, quiet, and good, and was like a
cool salad in a man's mouth after spiced meat. And the money would
enable him to buy the Purefoy property which would probably be soon
in the market. But he felt that he might as well give them a little
trouble before he allowed himself to be hooked. It certainly was
not by any arrangement of his own that he found himself walking
alone with Miss Penge that Sunday afternoon in the park; nor did it
seem to be by hers.
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