"May I take a cousin's greeting, Maude?"
Without waiting for yes or no, he stooped and took the kiss. Maude flung
his hands away. He should have left out the "cousin," or not have taken
the kiss.
He went and stood with his elbow on the mantelpiece, soberly, as if he
had only kissed a sister. Maude sat down again.
"Why did you not send us word you were coming?" she asked.
"There was no necessity for it. And I only made my mind up this morning."
"What a long time you have been away! I thought you went for a week."
"I did not get my business over very quickly; and waited afterwards to
see Thomas Carr, who was out of town. The Ashtons were away, you know; so
I had no inducement to hurry back again."
"Very complimentary to _her_. Who's Thomas Carr?" asked Maude.
"A barrister; the greatest friend I possess in this world. We were at
college together, and he used to keep me straight."
"Keep you straight! Val!"
"It's quite true. I went to him in all my scrapes and troubles. He is the
most honourable, upright, straightforward man I know; and, as such,
possesses a talent for serving--"
"Hartledon! Is it _you_?"
The interruption came from the dowager. She and the butler came in
together, both looking equally astonished at the appearance of Lord
Hartledon. The former said dinner was served.
"Will you let me sit down in this coat?" asked Val.
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