248 *AIRY FATRY LILIAN.'
such absurd notions. Sfr Guy did not look at it in
that light—he knows perfectly well I detest long
walks, and that I seldom go for one, so he did not
press the point. And in fact I think I shall change
my mind now—walking is such a bore, is it not ? '
' Are you not coming then ?'—stopping short, and
growing black with rage. ' You don't seem to know
your o-wn mind for two minutes together, or else you
are trying to provoke me ! First you asked me to go
to the wood with you, and now you say you will not
go! what am I to think of it ?'
'I wouldn't be rude if I were you,' says Miss
Chesney, calmly, ' and I wouldn't lose my temper.
You make me absolutsly uncomfortable when you let
that wicked look grow upon your face. One would
think you would like to murder me. Do try to be
amiable! And as for trying to provoke you—I should
not take the trouble! No, I shall not go with you
now certainly, I shall go with Cyril,'—pointing to
where Cyril is sauntering towards the entrance to the
wood at some short distance from them.
Without waiting to address another word to the
discomfited Archibald, she runs to Cyril and slips her
hand within his arm.
' Will you take me with you, wherever you are
going ?' she says, smiHng confidently up into his
face.
' "Wliat a foolish question ; of course I am only too
glad to get so dear a little companion,' replies he,
smothering a sigh very successfully; though to be
honest, he is hardly enraptured at the thought of
having Lilian's (or anyone's) society j ust now. Never¬
theless he buries his chagrin, and is eminently agree¬
able to her as they stroll leisurely in the direction of
the Cottage.
When they come up to it Lilian pauses :
' I wish this wonderful goddess would come out, 1
want to see her quite close,' she says, peeping through
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