Remembering the look that Whately had
given him in the morning, he maintained a distant attitude at first,
thinking his brother officer had claims which he must respect. As he
wandered uneasily around, however, he discovered virtually how
matters stood, and learned of the attempt which Whately had made to
marry his cousin, nolens volens. This fact piqued his interest
deeply and satisfied him that the way was clear for a suit on his
part were he so inclined. Fair rivalry would give only additional
zest, and he promptly yielded to his inclination to become at least
much better acquainted with the girl. At dinner he and Whately vied
in their gallantries, but she was too sad and weary to pay much
attention to either of them.
Mrs. Whately compelled her to lie down for a time during the heat of
the afternoon, but thoughts of the suffering all about her banished
power to rest. She went down and found the old colonel lying with
closed eyes, feebly trying to keep away the pestering flies.
Remembering the bunch of peacock feathers with which Zany, in old
monotonous days, had waved when waiting on the table, she obtained
it from the dining-room, and sitting down noiselessly by the
officer, gave him a respite from his tormentors.
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