The Secret of Greylands (33 page)

He leaned forward.

“Well, will you, Dorothy?” he said.

“I dare say you will soon be tired of me,” the girl said in a muffled tone.

“I don't think so,” her cousin said meaningly. “Will you let us try, Dorothy?”

“I don't know—perhaps—”

Before the girl had time for more the sound of footsteps on the wide oaken staircase made them both start.

“Why, Arthur, Dorothy, what are you dreaming of? You will certainly never be ready in time to start. Be off, both of you!”

And Lady Laura Hargreave, drawing on her gloves, came slowly across the hall to them, little guessing how inopportune her entrance was, or how she was thereby retarding the fulfilment of her favourite scheme.