268 MISS BADSWORTH, M.F.H. 



Both Browne and Murdock rose from their chairs simul- 

 taneously and commenced to speak at once. Lavvy regarded 

 them steadfastly with her chin still on her hands. 



" I'm senior," whispered Murdock, so Browne held his 

 peace. 



" Everything you have said Miss Badsworth is true, no 

 doubt, except the last bit ; we handed over the money — er 

 —that is " 



** To Captain Majendie — yes, I know," Lavvy said, help- 

 ing him out. 



" If you know it, of course there's no harm." 



" None whatever." 



" We never thought we were doing so much wrong, and 

 — er — we've come to — er — well, say so and apologise." 



Lavvy withdrew her hands and bent her head in acknow- 

 ledgment. 



" It is certainly a matter for my aunt to consider," she 

 said. "I am her secretary only — and her huntsman." 



" By Jove ! " Mr. Browne said with enthusiasm. " When 

 we saw you get to the front on that pony and cut us all down 

 after so bad a start, we, well, of course, we were sorry, but it 

 was only when we came to think of it we — er — felt brutes." 



*' And I think you were," Lavvy said demurely. 



"We were afraid you would," Murdock said. "Won't 

 you — er — forgive us ? " he added penitently. 



" I don't suppose, personally, I have anything to forgive. 

 Miss Badsworth is the proper authorit}'." 



" Miss Badsworth said " 



" Perhaps she did, but I fancy she was mistaken. I don't 

 think we need say any more." 



Lavvy walked across to the bell and rang it. The two 

 young men stood doubtfully ; it was not an easy exit and their 

 perplexity was too much for Miss Lavvy. A smile dawned 

 at the corners of her mouth and gradually rippled all over her 

 face. She looked very charming and womanly as she stepped 

 forward and held out her hand. 



" We can scarcely part like that after what you have said." 



