After lunch the party became scattered. Judy took the General and
went over to the belt of trees; Pip and Bunty occupied themselves
with catching locusts; Baby and Nell gathered wild flowers. Meg
knelt down to collect the spoons and forks: and put the untouched
food back into the baskets away from the ants.
"I will do this--you look hot, Miss Meg; sit down quietly," Mr.
Gillet said.
"Thank you, but I prefer to do it myself," Miss Meg said, with
freezing dignity.
She did not look at him, but there was a certain tightness about
her lips that made him know the light in her clear young, eyes was
a scornful one.
He did not offer again, but sat and watched her pack up the things
with an untranslatable look on his face. When she had almost
finished he took something out of his pocket.
"I have to give you this again," he said, and handed her the blue
length of ribbon, folded smoothly, but showing the crease where it
had been tied.
She took it without lifting her eyes, crushed it up in her hand, and
slipped it into her pocket.
"I had almost hoped you would say I might keep it, in spite of
everything," he said, "just as a talisman against the future, but
your lips are too severe, Miss for me to cherish the hope longer.
Pages:
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190