Page:Bridefrombush00horn.pdf/142

136 chuckle before coming out with it; though, certainly Alfred was not the best judge of jokes.

'She says that if ever she makes you feel regularly ashamed of her again, she may be considered hopeless; and though you forgive her, she'll never forgive herself! That's rather rich, eh?'

Lady Bligh failed to see it in that light. On the contrary, for one moment she seemed both surprised and pained.

'Perhaps, Alfred,' she said, thoughtfully, 'she still feels the restraint, and hates our conventionalities. I often think she must; I sometimes think she does.'

'Not she! Not a bit of it! She's as safe as the Bank, and as happy as they make 'em, I know her!'

Poor Alfred!

'Perhaps,' said Lady Bligh again; 'but there may be a constant effort which we cannot see; and I have once or twice caught a look in her eyes—but let that pass. I may be wrong; only I think it has been rather slow for her lately. She must have more amusement. There are one or two amusing things coming on presently. But just now I should like to think of something quite