The two had been of the
same party during Goodwood week. Teddy had joined them after on board
Lord Datchett's yacht at Cowes; and, his leave up, and he forced to stop
in London during the end of August, what more natural than that when she
came up to town for a few days' shopping, Teddy should offer to act
escort to her?--it was such a pleasure to him, poor fellow! And as there
wasn't a single soul left to see them, what harm could there be!
Notwithstanding, the little lady never lost sight of propriety--Garden
was always near enough for her to be able to say, "I've my maid with
me;" and added to this, "Bella Chetwode was in town, very much occupied
it's true, but still that same staunch friend, always good at a pinch,
who, if told that you had been met going to see her, invariably answered
that she expected you. Life is full of surprises, and if one is armed at
all points matters go on so much more smoothly."
Now it happened that on the previous evening Teddy had shown visible
signs of becoming unruly. He didn't see why he should be sent away. Why
could he not stop--stop and have dinner with her?
"Why? Because, in the first place, it wouldn't do; and in the second--I
forgot though," she said; "being a man, I ought to have reversed the
order--there's nothing to give you."
"That don't matter," said Teddy heroically--"I don't care what I eat.
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