"Anything, you old idiot," said George, with a pleased smile, and he dug me in the ribs with his cane, and departed.
I sat on, admiring the simple elements which constitute the happiness of the young. Alas! With advancing years, Wrong loses half its flavor! To be improper ceases, by itself, to satisfy.
Immersed in these reflections, I failed to notice that a barouche had stopped opposite to me; and suddenly I found a footman addressing me.
"Beg your pardon, sir," he said. "Her ladyship wishes to speak to you.""It is a blessed thing to be young, Martin," I observed.
"Yes, sir," said Martin. "It's a fine day, sir.""But very short," said I. Martin is respectful, and said nothing--to me, at least. What he said to the coachman, I don't know.
And then I went up to Dolly.
"Get in and drive round," suggested Dolly.
"I can't," said I. "I have a bad nose."
"What's the matter with your nose?" asked Dolly, smiling.
"The joint is injured," said I, getting into the barouche. And Iadded severely, "I suppose I'd better sit with my back to the horses?""Oh, no, you're not my husband," said Dolly. "Sit here;" and she made room by her, as she continued, "I rather like Mr. George.""I'm ashamed of you," I observed. "Considering your age--""Mr. Carter!"
"Considering, I say, his age, your conduct is scandalous. Ishall never introduce any nice boys to you again.""Oh, please do," said Dolly, clasping her hands.
"You give them roses," said I, accusingly. "You make them false to their earliest loves--""She was a pudding-faced thing," observed Dolly.
I frowned. Dolly, by an accident, allowed the tip of her finger to touch my arm for an instant.
"He's a nice boy," said she. "How like he is to you, Mr. Carter!""I am a long way past that," said I. "I am thirty-six.""If you mean to be disagreeable!" said she turning away. "I beg your pardon for touching you, Mr. Carter.""I did not notice it, Lady Mickleham."
"Would you like to get out?"
"It's miles from my club," said I discontentedly.
"He's such fun," said Dolly, with a sudden smile. "He told Archie that I was the most charming woman in London! You've never done that!""He said the same about the pudding-faced girl," I observed.
There was a pause. Then Dolly asked:
"How is your nose?"
"The carriage exercise is doing it good," said I.
"If," observed Dolly, "he is so silly, now, what will he be at your age?""A wise man," said I.
"He suggested that I might write to him," bubbled Dolly.
Now when Dolly bubbles--an operation which includes a sudden turn towards me, a dancing of eyes, a dart of a small hand, a hurried rush of words, checked and confused by a speedier gust of gurgling sound--I am in the habit of ceasing to argue the question. Bubbling is not to be met by arguing. I could only say:
"He'll have forgotten by the end of the term.""He'll remember two days later," retorted Dolly.
"Stop the carriage," said I. "I shall tell Mrs. Hilary all about it.""I won't stop the carriage,"said Dolly. "I'm going to take you home with me.""I am at a premium today," I said sardonically.
"One must have something," said Dolly. "How is your nose now, Mr. Carter?"I looked at Dolly. I had better not have done that.
"Would afternoon tea hurt it?" she inquired anxiously.
"It would do it good," said I decisively.
And that is absolutely the whole story. And what in the world Mrs. Hilary found to disapprove of I don't know--especially as Ididn't tell her half of it! But she did disapprove. However, she looks very well when she disapproves.
