Mrs. Sutton could scarcely restrain her tearful remonstrances
against what was, to her perception, an act of arbitrary and wanton
cruelty, and other spectators had their views upon the subject.
"Very inconsiderate in Aylett! I wonder how he would like the same
game to be played upon himself!" commented Alfred, aside, to his
Dulcinea.
Her lip curled in disdainful amusement.
"As if he had ever done an inconsiderate thing since he put off long
clothes! There is method in all this, if we were clever enough to
fathom it."
Within herself, she determined that she would solve the enigma
before she was a week older.
Frederic cast one hasty, eager look at the portico, as the carriage
turned out of the yard. Mabel stood in the foreground, her figure
framed by the climbing roses drooping over the front steps. She was
very pale, and, forgetful for the moment of the observation of the
bystanders, leaned slightly forward, her eyes strained upon the
carriage-window--one hand laid upon her heart, the other resting
against the pillar nearest her, as for support. She waved her
handkerchief, in response to his smile and lifted hat, and
simultaneously with this interchange of adieux her brother took her
by the arm.
"You are getting wet there, Mabel! Come into the house! It is well I
have come back to look after you!"