"How did you come to hear of this place, if it is so out of the world?"
"Jack heard of some people who like it so much that they have gone back
again and again." Margot paused for a moment, and then added
resolutely, "They go to fish. Probably they will be there again this
summer. They are two brothers--one of them is quite old. I don't know
anything about the other. Of course, wherever we stay we shall meet
other people--but you don't mind that, do you, dear? You can trust us
not to associate with any one who is not what you would approve?"
"Oh yes. I am not afraid of you in that way, and Ron is sensible enough
where you are concerned. He'll take care of you. I wouldn't allow you
to stay at a big hotel without Agnes or some older woman, but you are
welcome to your little inn, if it takes your fancy. If it rains all
day, in Highland fashion, Ronald may discover that there are
compensations even in Regent's Park. How soon are you off?"
"The middle of June, if all's well, and we'll stay on as long as we are
happy and enjoying ourselves. Then there will be your holiday to
consider, dear. I thought it would be such a good idea if you took Jack
with you, while I went to the seaside with Edith and the boys. Jack and
you agree so well, and have so many tastes in common. You would make
splendid compagnons de voyage!"
Mr Vane drew back in his chair to stare at her beneath frowning brows.
"If there is one thing in this world more objectionable than another,
it's a managing woman!" he cried emphatically. "Don't you develop into
one, Margot, if you wish to keep any influence over me. I've seen
danger signals once or twice lately, and I tell you plainly--I won't
stand it! Be satisfied with what you have gained, and carry Ron away to
your Highland glen, but leave my holiday alone, if you please. I'm
quite capable of choosing a companion for myself if I need one."
"Yes, dear," said Margot meekly; but her smile showed no sign of
contrition. She had heard this terrible indictment times without
number, but as yet there had come no waning of her influence. As she
felt her way carefully up the dark staircase a few minutes later, she
smiled to herself with complacent satisfaction; for not only had the
Scotch trip received the parental sanction, but the first step was taken
towards securing a holiday for poor tired Jack. Mr Vane might protest,
but the idea once suggested would take root in his mind, and by the time
that it developed into action he would imagine that it was entirely his
own inspiration. What did it matter? For Jack's sake even more than
his own it was better that he should be so deluded; and Margot was
happily above the littleness of desiring to monopolise the credit for
her ideas. So long as a point was gained, she was more than content to
remain inconspicuously in the background.