‘We swear!’ exclaimed this couple.

But suddenly the cheeks of Mr. John Raikes flushed.  He alighted from the box, and rushing up to Old Tom, was shouting, ‘My bene—­’

‘Do you want my toe on your plate?’ Old Tom stopped him with.

The mysterious words completely changed the aspect of Mr. John Raikes.  He bowed obsequiously and made his friend Franco step down and assist in the task of reestablishing the donkey, who fortunately had received no damage.

CHAPTER XXVII

Exhibits rose’s generalship; Evan’s performance on the second fiddle; and the wretchedness of the countess

We left Rose and Evan on their way to Lady Jocelyn.  At the library-door Rose turned to him, and with her chin archly lifted sideways, said: 

‘I know what you feel; you feel foolish.’

Now the sense of honour, and of the necessity of acting the part it imposes on him, may be very strong in a young man; but certainly, as a rule, the sense of ridicule is more poignant, and Evan was suffering horrid pangs.  We none of us like to play second fiddle.  To play second fiddle to a young woman is an abomination to us all.  But to have to perform upon that instrument to the darling of our hearts—­would we not rather die? nay, almost rather end the duet precipitately and with violence.  Evan, when he passed Drummond into the house, and quietly returned his gaze, endured the first shock of this strange feeling.  There could be no doubt that he was playing second fiddle to Rose.  And what was he about to do?  Oh, horror! to stand like a criminal, and say, or worse, have said for him, things to tip the ears with fire!  To tell the young lady’s mother that he had won her daughter’s love, and meant—­what did he mean?  He knew not.  Alas! he was second fiddle; he could only mean what she meant.  Evan loved Rose deeply and completely, but noble manhood was strong in him.  You may sneer at us, if you please, ladies.  We have been educated in a theory, that when you lead off with the bow, the order of Nature is reversed, and it is no wonder therefore, that, having stript us of one attribute, our fine feathers moult, and the majestic cock-like march which distinguishes us degenerates.  You unsex us, if I may dare to say so.  Ceasing to be men, what are we?  If we are to please you rightly, always allow us to play First.

Poor Evan did feel foolish.  Whether Rose saw it in his walk, or had a loving feminine intuition of it, and was aware of the golden rule I have just laid down, we need not inquire.  She hit the fact, and he could only stammer, and bid her open the door.

‘No,’ she said, after a slight hesitation, ’it will be better that I should speak to Mama alone, I see.  Walk out on the lawn, dear, and wait for me.  And if you meet Drummond, don’t be angry with him.  Drummond is very fond of me, and of course I shall teach him to be fond of you.  He only thinks . . . what is not true, because he does not know you.  I do thoroughly, and there, you see, I give you my hand.’