" I am quite aware that one is still in one's cradle
at twenty-one," said Rupert in a very elderly man-
ner ; " in that case one needs a nurse. Will you be
my nurse J "



80 WHEN THE TIDE TURNS

"Fm afraid I could never manage you— -you
would soon grow out of my control. . . . But we
must go back to your aunts. I want you to promise
me something."

" Anything you like, dear nurse."

"No, seriously." It was she who felt shy and
embarrassed now, and Rupert who seemed self-pos-
sessed and assured, and years older than she, because
he was on his own ground. " Promise you'll think
over what I said about doing something seriously
— will you?" They were both standing up, and
she put her hand in his, with a pretty gesture of
appeal and confidence.
"I promise," said Rupert, enclosing it in both
his, and giving it a little shake and pressure. Her
attitude was girlish and timid, and his, re-assuring
and almost paternal ; but she was cold and unmoved,
while he thrilled and was disturbed.
Then they went back to the house.
