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Inspired by Mrs Reeves's words in her first term at college, Darsie had set gallantly to the task of influencing Ralph Percival for good, and preventing his further deterioration. At first it had appeared a forlorn hope; and she would have despaired many a time if it had not been for the encouragement which she received from Mrs Reeves and her "curate," Margaret France.
Darsie made a little face at the charming reflection in the glass, the which Lady Hayes wisely affected not to see, and presently aunt and niece were seated side by side in the big old barouche, forming one of a concourse of vehicles which were converging together out of every cross road, and turning in a seemingly endless string in the direction of the Hall.
There was one slim, dark-eyed girl with a bright rose flush on her cheeks, as to whose claim she felt a moment's uncertainty, but when she turned her head lo, a nose was revealed soaring so unbecomingly skyward that Darsie breathed again. Yes! she was the prettiest.
If there were innumerable good points in an acquaintance with the Percival family, there was certainly the inevitable drawback, for on the days when she was alone with her great-aunt, Darsie was rendered lonelier and more restless than before by the knowledge that a couple of miles away were three agreeable young companions who would be only too pleased to include her in their pastimes.
'It was he indeed who gave constant information of your motions to Cristal Nixon, said Lilias. 'And Cristal Nixon I owe him, too, a day's work in harvest, said Darsie; 'for I am mistaken if he was not the person that struck me down when I was made prisoner among the rioters. 'Like enough; for he has a head and hand for any villany.
"Be good, sweet maid, And let who will be charming!" Certainly the "Moral Worths" had been at pains to disguise any charm they possessed! Even Darsie herself looked plain with her hair dragged back into a tight little knot, her grey flannel shirt padded into the similitude of stooping shoulders, her skirt turned carefully back to front.
When they parted a few minutes later to go to their different halls, the older girl said casually, but in a lowered voice which showed that the invitation was meant for Darsie alone "By the way, I'm at home for cocoa on Tuesday evenings at ten. Bring your milk, and come along, will you! I'd like to have you." "To her Tuesdays! Are you sure? Nobody goes to those but her very boon companions.
He kept his eye on the provost as he uttered the name, which he did rather at a venture, and from the connexion which that gentleman, and his real or supposed niece, seemed to have with the fate of Darsie Latimer, than from any distinct cause of suspicion which he entertained.
She never dreamt that that particular smile, that little glance of appeal, were to remain with her all heir life, to be her comfort in a bitter grief. They passed the spot where Hannah and Dan were standing with their friends, and acting on a sudden impulse, Darsie turned her head, with a few laughing words of explanation: "We're going to look at the Punch and Judies!"
"Why did you send off Percival?" "Oh !" Darsie hesitated, and then answered with discretion: "I had talked to him as much as I cared about for the moment, and I shall see him soon again. He is going to get up a tea-party for me, with that sweet Mrs Reeves as chaperon. I told him to ask you and Hannah." "You should not have done that!" Dan spoke with sharp displeasure.
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