"Why, Dickie," she said, kissing him, "you know how to say a good thing well. But, my dear, they would not suit my satin and pearls." "The gray, then. I care not two straws, so I'm with you." "Don't make rash assertions, sir. You'll be a coxcomb some day." They were going indoors, when she stayed him. "I have it, as you say, Dick. We'll ride into Arncastor to-morrow and have your worship measured for a suit. The court comes to Arncastor, Philip tells me. The King meets the Queen there to-morrow. There will be the newest modes and tailors in plenty," she went on, not heeding the boy's uneasiness. "You shall see what gay gentlemen wear." "Oh, no, no!" Dick entreated. "No, no! Why no?" she asked. "I dare not! I dare not!" he cried. "Someone would see me, and drag me away." "Oh, still that old fancy, Dick?" she said, with a touch of displeasure. "Methought you'd outgrown it. And pray, who would touch the cousin of Lady Dorothy Byng?" "I dare not, madam." "Then you're a little coward." Dick's face turned very white. He bent his head unconsciously. "As you please, madam," he said, "I will go then." He walked away, but, calling his name, she stepped swiftly after him. Unheeding, injured, and proud, he went on. "Come back! Come back and forgive me, Dick!" He wavered; remembered her story; remembered her goodness, and turned. "Forgive me, Dick!" she entreated. "I had no right to say it." "Never mind," he said, swallowing down his anger. "I am a coward. I will go with you anywhere." "That you shall not," said her Ladyship. "Indeed, I had forgotten about--about it, Dick. Kiss me. There! we are friends again! Philip shall fetch a tailor over here to measure you. What? Clear your face and forgive me." "But you think me a coward?" he said. "No. You will get over it in time, Dick. 'Tis because you are not very strong yet. But there; I will not torture you, dear. Come, let us think of the suit, Dick. Of a rose-coloured silk, I picture it. Rose suits your dark man, let me tell you. Quite simple. Just slashed to let your honour's white holland show through. And I have a Mechlin collar that I'll bestow on you, Dick, with a jewel to loop up your hat." Dick found the subject alluring after all, though he professed to scorn dress as unmanly. But even whilst he talked of the birthday a dead weight lay at the bottom of his heart. She had called him, and she thought him, a coward. CHAPTER XIV THE COMING OF JOHN DENT