she replied so absently to Dane's tentative attempts to draw her into
the conversation, that he was not encouraged to persevere. She awoke to
sudden sharp consciousness, however, when Bernard began making
suggestions for the afternoon, taking for granted that his guest was
ready to accompany him wherever he should suggest to go. "I've been
wanting to drive round Boxley for some time. You come along and give me
your advice," he said finally, and again Cassandra knew a revival of
youthful days in the tingle of anger, the incredulous load of
disappointment, which like a real physical weight pressed upon her
heart. It was ridiculous, it was absurd, it was quite ludicrously out
of proportion, to feel so torn about so small a thing, but she _was_
torn. It was in her at that moment to blaze into anger, to speak loud
protesting words, to push aside her plate and dash from the room. All
the different impulses which had torn the girl Cassandra when defrauded
of a promised treat of the nursery surged up suddenly in the breast of
the woman who sat in silent dignity at the head of her table, smiling
her unruffled, society smile.

Bernard, of course--Bernard never took her into consideration;
but,--_What would Peignton say_?

What he said was the easiest, most natural of explanations.

"Thanks very much. Another time I'd be delighted, but this afternoon
Lady Cassandra has promised to show me the gardens. Perhaps we could
fix a day for next week?"

The Squire knitted his eyebrows, and looked from his guest to his wife,
back again from his wife to his guest. Plainly he was concerned,
plainly also he was concerned for his guest's sake, not that of his
wife.

"That's very good of you," he said slowly, "but er--the whole afternoon?
Rather a fag, isn't it? You could have a walk round after lunch, and
we'd start at three."

"Thanks, but it's against my principles to divide good things. We'll do
Boxley next week, if you'll give me the chance."

The Squire looked at his wife again and smiled, a good-natured smile.
He was obviously content that she should be amused, provided that he
himself had no trouble in the matter.

"That's all right, then," he said. "We'll leave it at that. Cass will
be quite pleased to have someone to talk to. Won't you, Cass?"

"Very pleased!" said Cassandra gravely. It was beyond her at that
moment to make pretence, but the earnestness of her face had the effect
of launching her husband on a