The Keepers of the People

128“You seem both to come from somewhere else,” said Althea, thoughtful. “You never seem to see the things that other people take for granted. You don’t care for the things that other people care for. Lisdor is pretty bad; but you and Ruth are worse; and I’m sure it’s very wrong.”

129“Why should I?” said he.

130“There it is again!” said Althea, indignant. “Always the same question; and if Ruth catches it from you she’ll be unbearable. Besides—Here she comes; I’m going to hide. By and by she may have recovered.” She chirruped to Alrasch, and fled down the steps. She was scarcely out of sight when Lady Lisdor came on to the terrace.

131She smiled at Ralph Falcon, and sitting down a little way off, with her elbow on the balustrade, and her chin on her hand, she gazed dreamily over the country-side. She sat silent for a long while, and he watched her lazily. Chancing to turn her head, she found his eyes on her.

132“Life is unsatisfactory,” she said idly, with a sigh. “There is so little in it.”

133“You are not fortunate,” said Ralph Falcon.

134“Not fortunate? How?” she said quickly.

135“No; you have no child,” said Ralph Falcon.

136She rose from her chair, set both hands on the balustrade, and leaned her weight on them.

137“Yes, I should like a boy,” she said slowly and wistfully.

138“You suffer from Althea’s complaint,” he said.

139“Don’t talk to me of that little wretch!” she cried.

140“Why?”

141“She has been making love to George, and he was helping her. I caught them.” She turned a smiling face to him.

142“You are jealous, then?”

143“Oh, jealous!” She shook her head. “I was jealous once; but that was a long while ago. You see: I ought to have George all to myself, and I will have Althea all to myself. When they go making love to one another, it’s difficult,” and she laughed. “What is the little wretch’s complaint?”

144“Want of occupation.”

145“Want of occupation! If you had seen her this morning, sitting on George’s knee calling him ‘dear Ugly,’ you would have given it another name. Want of occupation indeed!”

146“We agreed that it led woman into mischief!” said Ralph Falcon.

147“Not me,” said Lady Lisdor, and her eyes challenged him.

148“Women and horses need their fill of work,” he said thoughtfully.