“ ’Tis what you’ll never understand, my dear, because you are but a man. But no matter⁠—I knew. I quite adored Diana, and determined to talk to her alone. So I admired the roses, and she offered to escort me round the garden, which was what I wanted. We went out together. I think Diana must have liked me, for⁠—”

“Nonsense!”

“Be quiet, Miles!⁠—for she dropped her ice and became quite friendly. And I talked a lot.”

She was aware of a convulsive movement above her, and a suppressed cough. She raised inquiring eyebrows.

“Well, sir?”

“Nothing, asthore⁠—nothing. Go on with the tale⁠—you were saying⁠—”

“That I talked a lot.” She paused, and her eyes dared him; then she dimpled and dropped her lashes over them. “I shan’t tell you all I said⁠—”