"Would she?" said Sheila, with a hint of incredulity.

Bunny turned on her. "Why do you say that? She's very young, hardly more
than a kid. She doesn't care for people and towns. Why should she?"

He put the question almost indignantly, and Sheila smiled at him
pacifically. "I don't know in the least why she should. I only had a sort
of idea that she might. She is very pretty, isn't she? And pretty girls
don't generally care to be buried before they have had their fling--not
always then."

"Oh, you think she doesn't get any fun!" said Bunny, still somewhat
resentful.

"No--no, of course I don't! You know best what she likes. I only wonder
that Maud didn't think of giving her just one season in town. It would be
rather good for her, don't you think?"

"I don't know," said Bunny rather shortly. "Maud isn't keen on town. I
think she's better where she is."

Sheila laughed. "You're afraid she'd slip through your fingers if she saw
too much of the world?"

"No, I'm not!" declared Bunny, frowning. "I hadn't thought about it.
But I'd hate her to get old and sophisticated. Her great charm is in
being--just what she is."

"Oh, she has plenty of charm," Sheila admitted, and her own brows drew a
little in thought. "I wish I could remember who it is she reminds me of.
That is the worst of having such a large circle."

"She isn't like anyone I've ever met," declared Bunny, and gulped down
his drink abruptly. "Well, I must be going. You'll come up to-morrow
then, you and the General. I shall be there, and I'll tell Maud you're
coming."

"You are sure we had better come?" Sheila said, as she gave him her hand.

He gripped it. "Of course! Maud will be delighted. I'm sorry you weren't
asked before. About three then--if that suits you! Good-bye!"

He smiled his pleasant, boyish smile, and departed.

But as he raced back from Fairharbour in his little two-seater car to
meet his young _fiancee_ on the downs, the memory of Sheila's word came
back to him and he frowned again. It was true that they were not thinking
of marriage for the next few months, and their plans were still somewhat
vague, but the idea of waiting while Toby had her fling for a whole
season in town revolted him. He could not have said definitely wherefore,
save that he wanted to keep her just as she was in his eyes--fresh and
young and innocent. He was angry with Sheila for having suggested it, and
he wanted to thrust the matter from his mind.

Yet when