It is probable that Mrs.Da Souza,excellent wife and mother though she had proved herself to be,had never admired her husband more than when,followed by the malevolent glances of Miss Montressor and her friend,she,with her daughter and Da Souza,re-entered the gates of the Lodge.The young ladies had announced their intention of sitting in the fly until they were allowed speech with their late host;to which he had replied that they were welcome to sit there until doomsday so long as they remained outside his gates.Mr.Da Souza lingered for a moment behind and laid his finger upon his nose.
"It ain't no use,my dears,"he whispered confidentially."He's fairly got the hump.Between you and me he'd give a bit not to have us,but me and him being old friends -you see,we know a bit about one another.""Oh,that's it,is it?"Miss Montressor remarked,with a toss of her head."Well,you and your wife and your little chit of a daughter are welcome to him so far as we are concerned,aren't they,Flossie?""Well,I should say so,"agreed the young lady,who rather affected Americanisms.
Da Souza stroked his little imperial,and winked solemnly.
"You are young ladies of spirit,"he declared."Now -""Hiram!""I am coming,my dear,"he called over his shoulder."One word more,my charming young friends!No.7,Racket's Court,City,is my address.Look in sometime when you're that way,and we'll have a bit of lunch together,and just at present take my advice.Get back to London and write him from there.He is not in a good humour at present.""We are much obliged,Mr.Da Souza,"the young lady answered loftily.
"As we have engagements in London this afternoon,we may as well go now -eh,Flossie?""Right along,"answered the young lady,"I'm with you,but as to writing Mr.Trent,you can tell him from me,Mr.Da Souza,that we want to have nothing more to do with him.A fellow that can treat ladies as he has treated us is no gentleman.You can tell him that.
He's an ignorant,common fellow,and for my part I despise him.""Same here,"echoed Miss Montressor,heartily."We ain't used to associate with such as him!""Hiram!"Mr,Da Souza raised his hat and bowed;the ladies were tolerably gracious and the fly drove off.Whereupon Mr.Da Souza followed his wife and daughter along the drive and caught them up upon the doorstep.With mingled feelings of apprehension and elation he ushered them into the morning-room where Trent was standing looking out of the window with his hands behind him.At their entrance he did not at once turn round.Mr.Da Souza coughed apologetically.
"Here we are,my friend,"he remarked."The ladies are anxious to wish you good morning."Trent faced them with a sudden gesture of impatience.He seemed on the point of an angry exclamation,when his eyes met Julie Da Souza's.He held his breath for a moment and was silent.Her face was scarlet with shame,and her lips were trembling.For her sake Trent restrained himself.
"Glad to see you back again,Julie,"he said,ignoring her mother's outstretched hand and beaming smile of welcome."Going to be a hot day,I think.You must get out in the hay-field.Order what breakfast you please,Da Souza,"he continued on his way to the door;"you must be hungry-after such an early start!"Mrs.Da Souza sat down heavily and rang the bell.
"He was a little cool,"she remarked,"but that was to be expected.
Did you observe the notice he took of Julie?Dear child!"Da Souza rubbed his hands and nodded meaningly.The girl,who,between the two,was miserable enough,sat down with a little sob.
Her mother looked at her in amazement.
