He put a hand to his cap.  “Thank you, Miss Bathurst,” he said simply, and turned without further words to answer his brother’s summons.

Dinah walked quickly on.  That stroll with Scott had quite lifted her out of her depression.

CHAPTER IX

THE RUNAWAY COLT

“It really is very tiresome,” complained Lady Grace.  “I knew that child was going to be a nuisance from the very outset.”

“What has she done now?” growled the Colonel.

He was lounging in the easiest chair in the room, smoking an excellent cigar, preparatory to indulging in his afternoon nap.  His wife reclined upon a sofa with a French novel which she had not begun to read.  Through the great windows that opened on to the balcony the sunshine streamed in a flood of golden light.  Rose was seated on the balcony enjoying the warmth.  Lady Grace’s eyes rested upon her slim figure in its scarlet coat as she made reply.

“These people—­these Studleys—­won’t leave her alone.  Or else she runs after them.  I can’t quite make out which.  Probably the latter.  Anyhow the sister—­who, I believe is what is termed slightly mental—­has asked her to go to tea in their private sitting-room.  I have told her she must decline.”

“Quite right,” said the Colonel.  “What did she say?”

Lady Grace uttered a little laugh.  “Oh, she was very ridiculous and high-flown, as you may imagine.  But, as I told her, I am directly responsible to her mother for any friendships she may make out here, and I am not disposed to take any risks.  We all know what Mrs. Bathurst can be like if she considers herself an injured party.”

“A perfect she-dragon!” agreed the Colonel.  “I fancy the child herself is still kept in order with the rod.  Why, even Bathurst—­great hulking ox—­is afraid of her.  Billy isn’t, but then Billy apparently can do no wrong.”

“She certainly loves no one else,” said Lady Grace.  “I never met anyone with such an absolutely vixenish and uncontrolled temper.  I am sorry for Dinah.  I have always pitied her, for she certainly works hard, and gets little praise for it.  But at the same time, I can’t let her run wild now she is off the rein for a little.  It wouldn’t be right.  And these people are total strangers.”

“I believe they are of very good family,” said the Colonel.  “The title is an old one, and Sir Eustace is evidently a rich man.  I had the opportunity for a little talk with the brother yesterday evening.  A very courteous little chap—­quite unusually so.  I think we may regard them as quite passable.”  His eyes also wandered to the graceful, lounging figure on the balcony.  “At the same time I shouldn’t let Dinah accept hospitality from them, anyhow at this stage.  She is full young.  She must be content to stay in the background—­at least for the present.”

“Just what I say,” said Lady Grace.  “Of course if the younger brother should take a fancy to her—­and he certainly seems to be attracted—­it might be a very excellent thing for her.  Her mother can’t hope to keep her as maid of all work for ever.  But I can’t have her pushing herself forward.  I was very glad to hear you reprimand her so severely this morning.”