Audrey's
opinion, he seemed disposed to pick holes in Mrs. Blake's words and to
find matter for argument. Not that this would be apparent to anyone but
herself; but then she knew Michael so well. She could always tell in a
moment if he approved or disapproved of anyone. One thing was clear
enough to her, that Mrs. Blake was not at her ease. She lost her gay
fluency, and hesitated for a word now and then; and when they left the
lake and walked towards the tennis-ground, and Cyril intercepted them,
she gave him an appealing look to draw him to her side. But for once
Cyril was blind to his mother's wishes. He shook hands with Captain
Burnett, and then fell behind to speak to Audrey.

'Do you mean to say that you have finished your game already?' she
asked, in some surprise.

'No, indeed; only Mrs. Fortescue discovered that it was late, and took
her daughter away, and, of course, I could not beat them
single-handed--Wheeler is a crack player--so we made up our mind to
consider it a drawn game. You ought not to have thrown me over, Miss
Ross,' dropping his voice; 'it was hardly kind, was it?'

'Would you have me play with you and neglect all my other guests?' she
returned, smiling. 'I think you owe me some gratitude for providing you
with a partner like Gertrude Fortescue. She is one of our best players.'

'I would rather have kept the partner I had,' he replied, with unwonted
obstinacy; 'even in tennis one prefers one's own selection. I played the
first set far better.'

'I believe you are a little cross with me, Mr. Blake.'

'I!' startled by this accusation, although it was playfully made, and
reddening to his temples; 'I have no right to take such a liberty. No
man in his senses could be cross with you for a moment.'

'You are wrong. Michael is often cross with me.'

'Is he?' slackening his pace, and so compelling her to do the same,
until there were several yards between them and the couple in front.
'Captain Burnett seems to me far too good-natured; I should have said
there was not a spark of temper about him. I am rather hasty myself.'

'I am so glad you have warned me in time, Mr. Blake.'

'Why, do you meditate any special provocation?' Then, catching sight of
her dimple, his own face relaxed. 'I see you are laughing at me. I am
afraid I was not properly gracious to Miss Fortescue. I will make up for
it on Thursday at the Charringtons', and ask her to play. You will be
there?' with a note of anxiety in his