me, Maud, for I wish to lie down for a little, since the pain will not
allow me to remain longer.'

So with a few words of comfort which could not well be refused, but I dare
say betraying my suspicion that more was made of her sufferings than need
be, I returned to the drawing-room.

'Captain Oakley has been here, my dear, and fancying, I suppose, that you
had left us for the evening, has gone to the billiard-room, I think,' said
Lady Knollys, as I entered.

That, then, accounted for the rumble and smack of balls which I had heard
as I passed the door.

'I have been telling Maud how detestably she is got up.'

'Very thoughtful of you, Monica!' said my father.

'Yes, and really, Austin, it is quite clear you ought to marry; you want
some one to take this girl out, and look after her, and who's to do it?
She's a dowdy--don't you see? Such a dust! And it _is_ really such a pity;
for she's a very pretty creature, and a clever woman could make her quite
charming.'

My father took Cousin Monica's sallies with the most wonderful good-humour.
She had always, I fancy, been a privileged person, and my father, whom we
all feared, received her jolly attacks, as I fancy the grim Front-de-Boeufs
of old accepted the humours and personalities of their jesters.

'Am I to accept this as an overture?' said my father to his voluble cousin.