He laughed and pinched her ear. "I shall want to keep you myself--when
you're good. I haven't yet found anyone to sew on buttons like you do.
No, _ma chere_, you'll have to stay and be caned for your sins. Jake is
a better schoolmaster than I am, being so eminently virtuous himself. I
hope you do cane her, Jake. I'm sure she needs it."
"No," Jake said, preparing to mount again. "I haven't tried that at
present."
Toby watched him a little wistfully as he moved away, leading her horse.
"I am trying to be good," she said. "He knows that."
"Yes, she's trying hard," Maud said very kindly. "Jake and I are going to
be proud of her some day."
Saltash's brows twisted humorously. "I wonder," he said. And then again
lightly he laughed. "Don't get too good, Nonette! I can't rise to it."
She turned swiftly, looking up into the derisive face above her with open
adoration in her own. "You!" she said. "You!"
"Well, what about me?" he said.
She coloured very deeply. "Nothing, sir, nothing! Only--you're so great!"
He flicked her cheek, grimacing hideously. "Is that your pretty way of
telling me I'm the biggest rotter you ever met?"
"Oh, no!" said Toby quickly and earnestly. "Oh no! I think you are--a
king.
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