"I hate the independence of girls nowadays. You ought not to know how to drive!" Gentian laughed. "That is the style of the old-fashioned English gentlemen. Of course you take after your brother!" "No man, if he's a decent sort, likes to see girls roughing it." "You would like me in a white muslin gown lying back amongst the cushions of the car sighing plaintively: 'Please not quite so fast, driver, the wind is too strong upon my face, the motion shakes me—' That's what my old lady says to me, and I long to scorch for all I'm worth." "What time shall we start?" said Godwin, wisely turning the subject. "I vote for eight o'clock. It will be a long run." "I think," said Thorold slowly, looking at Gentian as he spoke, "that we'll have our own car, Godwin. It will give Gentian a rest. She shall lie back on comfortable cushions for once in her life, and then we shan't see those tired lines about her eyes that so often come there." "You are very rude, Cousin Thorold." "Miss Brendon couldn't look fitter than she does, but all the same, I'm with you, Thor. It will be my treat and my car, and I'll choose a capable driver." Gentian laughed. Her laughter had such an infectious and delightful ripple in it, that both brothers smiled at her. "As I'm to be your guest," she said, "I have nothing to say but a very grateful 'thank you.' And, if we rumbled along in a donkey-cart, I should enjoy myself. I love a jaunt of any sort, it reminds me of Italy. Waddy and I are too poor to take many in England." CHAPTER VIII THE DAY IN THE NEW FOREST THE day for the New Forest dawned very brightly. Gentian was radiantly happy, and she and Godwin were like two children in their whole-hearted enjoyment of every hour. There was no lack of conversation during the run. She and Godwin chattered away together, Thorold occasionally joining in. Miss Ward for the most part took her pleasure in silence. It was a perfect day for seeing the Forest. A gentle breeze kept the air cool. The green glades under the magnificent old oaks and beeches seemed like an enchanted country to Gentian. They had lunch at a picturesque old inn, and then she and Godwin wandered off to find the tree under which William Rufus was killed. "I wish I was a gipsy," sighed Gentian; "I am sure a nomad wandering life would suit me. Women ought not to have such a dull time as they do. Look at you, now! You go over the seas and round the world and see a little of everything; and I am told I ought to be content to stay in my small corner for life." "You'd long to find a corner to stick in if you were a sailor. I'm looking forward to a snug little home of my own one day." "With a wife shut up in it all the year round," said Gentian, mischief in her eyes. "I know what a sailor's wife is. I knew two in Italy. One had come out there by doctor's orders. She said the loneliness of her home when her husband was at sea was more than she could stand."