Mr. Vernon struggled with a frown.
"Miss Lorton has scarcely said two words," he said. "I assure you, my
dear madame, that there is absolutely nothing the matter with me, and
that--that I could stand a steam phonograph."
"I am so glad!" simpered Mrs. Lorton. "I have brought this week's
_Society News_. I thought it might amuse you if I read some of the
paragraphs--Eleanor, I think you might read them. Don't you think
indolence is one of the greatest sins of the day, Mr. Vernon?" she broke
off to inquire.
Vernon smiled grimly, and glanced at Nell, who colored under the amused
expression in his eyes.
"I dare say it is," he said. "Speaking for myself, I can honestly say
that I never do anything unless I am compelled."
Nell laughed, her short, soft laugh; but Mrs. Lorton was not at all
discomfited.
"That is all very well for a man, though I am sure you do yourself an
injustice, Mr. Vernon; but for a young girl! I think you will find
something interesting on the third page, under the heading of 'Doings of
the Elite,' Eleanor."
Nell took the paper--the journal she especially detested, and Dick never
failed to mock at--and glanced at Mr. Vernon; but he looked straight
before him, down at the jetty below; and, not shyly, but, with a kind of
resignation, she began: "'Lord and Lady Bullnoze have gone on a visit to the Countess of
Crowntires. Her ladyship is staying at the family seat, Cromerspokes,
which is famous for its old oak and stained glass. It is not generally
known that Lady Crowntires inherited this princely estate from her aunt,
the Duchess of Bogshire.'"
"A most beautiful place," commented Mrs. Lorton. "I've seen a photograph
of it--a private photograph."
Nell looked appealingly and despairingly at Mr. Vernon, but his face was
perfectly impassive; and, smothering a sigh, she went on: "'Lord Pygskin will hunt the Clodford hounds next season. His lordship
has been staying at Blenheim for some weeks, recovering from an attack
of the gout. It is said that his engagement with the charming and
popular Miss Bung has been broken off.'"
"Dear me! How sad!" murmured Mrs. Lorton. "I am always so sorry to hear
of these broken engagements of the aristocracy. Miss Bung--I think it
said last week--is the daughter of the great brewer. Poor girl! it will
be a blow for her!"
Not a smile crossed the impassive face; Nell thought that perhaps he was
not listening, but she went on mechanically: "'The marriage of the Earl of Angleford has caused quite a flutter of
excitement among the elite. His lordship, as our readers are aware, is
somewhat advanced in years, and had always been regarded as a confirmed
bachelor----'"