"
"Certainly not, but you see I must hold on to my mother-in-law: she is
my only real stay. While pleasant and friendly as you are, my dear
Colonel"--with a pretty little toss of her head--"you will go off
shooting, or hunting, or Heaven knows what, and it is quite possible I
may never see your face again."
"Oh, by George! you will not get rid of me so easily," cried Ormonde, a
good deal taken back.
"I shall be very glad to see you if you do turn up again," said Mrs.
Liddell, graciously. "So as this will probably be the last time I shall
see you for some months, pray tell me some amusing gossip."
But gossip did not seem to come readily to Colonel Ormonde; nevertheless
they made a tour of the gardens in desultory conversation, till Mrs.
Liddell stopped decidedly, and bade him adieu.
"At last," said the cautious ex-dragoon, "you will write and tell me how
you get on with this amiable old relative of yours."
"I shall be very pleased to report progress, if you care to write and
ask me, and tell me your whereabouts."
"Then I suppose it is to be good-by?" said Ormonde, almost
sentimentally. "You are treating me devilishly ill."
"I do not see that." Here the boys came running up, at a signal from
their mother.
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