As Carstares had hoped, she refused to believe the truth.

“He is playing with ye, child,” said O’Hara, who had listened to Jack’s tale with a face of wonder. “I warrant he knows no Everard⁠—eh, Jack?”

“No, I cannot say that I do,” laughed his lordship.

“But⁠—but⁠—you said⁠—”

“Never mind what he said, Miss Di. ’Tis a scurvy fellow he is.”

She regarded him gravely.

“Indeed, I almost think so.”

But the dimple peeped out for all that! The next instant it was gone, and Diana turned a face of gloom to her aunt, pouting her red lips adorably, so thought my lord.