When he resumed his upward progress it was with a chastened and deferential mien. Pausing at her door, he was at once aware of voices inside the room. He stood there for some time before he realised that Miss Thackeray was repeating, with theatric fervour, though haltingly, as much of her "part" as she could remember, evidently to the satisfaction of the cousin of princes, for there were frequent interruptions which had all the symptoms of applause.
He rapped on the door, but so timorously that nothing came of it. His second effort was productive. He heard Miss Thackeray say "good gracious," and, after a moment, Miss Cameron's subdued: "What is it?"
"May I come in?" he inquired, rather ashamed of his vigour. "It's only Barnes."
"Come in," was her lively response. "It was awfully good of you, Miss Thackeray, to let me hear your lines. I think you will be a great success in the part."
"Thanks," said Miss Thackeray drily. "I'll come in again and let you hear me in the third act." She went out, mumbling her lines as she passed Barnes without seeing him.
"Forgive me for not arising, Mr. Barnes," said Royalty, a wry little smile on her lips. "I fear I twisted it more severely than I thought at first. It is really quite painful."
"Your ankle?" he cried in surprise. "When and how did it happen? I'm sorry, awfully sorry."
"It happened last night, just as we were crossing the ditch in front-- "
"Last night? Why didn't you tell me? Don't you know that it's wrong to walk with a sprained ankle? Don't--"
"Don't be angry with me," she pleaded. "You could not have done anything."
"Couldn't I, though? I certainly could have carried you the rest of the way,--and upstairs." He was conscious of a strange exasperation. He felt as though he had been deliberately cheated out of something.
"You poor man! I am quite heavy."
"Pooh! A hundred and twenty-five at the outside. Do you think I'm a weakling?"
"Please, please!" she cried. "You look so--so furious. I know you are very, very strong,--but so am I. Why should I expect you to carry me all that distance when--"
"But, good Lord," he blurted out, "I would have loved to do it. I can't imagine anything more--I--I--" He broke off in confusion.
She smiled divinely. "Alas, it is too late now. But--" she went on gaily, "you may yet have the pleasure of carrying me downstairs, Mr. Barnes. Will that appease your wrath?"
He flushed. "I'm sorry I--"
"See," she said, "it is nicely bandaged,--and if you could see through the bandages you would find it dreadfully swollen. That nice Miss Thackeray doctored me. What a quaint person she is."