Page:Confidence (London, Macmillan & Co., 1921).djvu/73

 Bernard, one afternoon, at three o'clock, directed his steps to this small world-centre of Baden, and, passing along the terrace, soon encountered little Blanche Evers strolling there under a pink parasol, and accompanied by Captain Lovelock. This young lady was always extremely sociable; it was quite in accordance with her habitual geniality that she should stop and say how d'ye do to our hero.

"Mr. Longueville is growing very frivolous," she said, "coming to the Kursaal at all sorts of hours."

"There is nothing frivolous in coming here with the hope of finding you," the young man answered. "That is very serious."

"It would be more serious to lose Miss Evers than to find her," remarked Captain Lovelock, with gallant jocosity.

"I wish you would lose me!" cried the young girl. "I think I should like to be lost. I might have all kinds of adventures."

"I 'guess' so!" said Captain Lovelock hilariously.

"Oh, I should find my way. I can take care of myself!" Blanche went on.

"Mrs. Vivian doesn't think so," said Bernard, who had just perceived this lady seated under a tree with a book, over the top of which she was observing her pretty protégée. Blanche looked towards her and gave her a little nod and a smile. Then chattering on to the young men—

"She's awfully careful. I never saw any one so careful. But I suppose she is right. She promised my mother she would be tremendously particular; but I don't know what she thinks I would do."

"That isn't flattering to me," said Captain Lovelock. "Mrs. Vivian doesn't approve of me—she wishes me in Jamaica. What does she think me capable of?" 65