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"An expensive toy!" she said, and looked sharply at him.
"Ornate, I agree, but as true a piece of steel as ever I saw," repliedmy lord blandly, balancing the rapier on one finger.
"A very expensive toy!" she repeated sternly.
John sighed.
"True, madam--true." Then with a brightened air: "Perhaps Mr. Everardhas expensive tastes?"
"It is very possible. And I think that Mr. Everard must have been morethan a simple country gentleman to indulge those tastes."
Carstares bit his lip to hide a smile at the thought of Tracy in thelight of a simple country gentleman, and shook his head sadly.
"Do you infer that he came by this sword dishonestly, madam?"
The dimple quivered and was gone.
"Sir, I believe that you are playing with me," she said with greatdignity.
"Madam, I am abashed."
"I am very glad to hear it, then. I infer that Mr. Everard was somethingmore than he pretended to be."
"In truth, a sorry rogue to deceive a lady."
"And I want to know if I am right. Is he, perhaps, some grandgentleman?"
"I can assure you, madam, that there is very little of the gentlemanabout Mr. Everard."
Miss Betty began to laugh.
"Have done, my dear! 'Tis of no avail, and 'tis impolite to press Mr.Carr too hard."
Diana pouted.
"He is monstrous provoking, I think," she said, and eyed himreproachfully.
"I am desolated," mourned Jack, but his eyes danced.
"And now you are laughing!"
"But then, mademoiselle, so are you!"
She shook her head, resolutely repressing the dimple.
"Then I am inconsolable."
The brown eyes sparkled and her lips parted in spite of her efforts tokeep them in a stern line.
"Oh, but you are ridiculous!" she cried, and sprang to her feet. "Andhere is Sir Miles!"
O'Hara came across the lawn towards them, bowed to the ladies, andglanced inquiringly from one to the other.
"Is it a joke ye have?" he asked.
Diana answered him.
"Indeed no, sir. 'Tis Mr. Carr who is so provoking."
