'Why desecrate the Sabbath stillness, then?' Ginger was silent a moment. 'That is a personal assault,' he said at length, 'and I resent it. It is unjust, too, because meaningless conversation is utterly in harmony with Sabbath stillness. It completes the sense of repose. It is no tax on the brain. Besides, I do really know what I was talking about; I said I didn't because I don't like arguing.' 'You have been doing nothing else.' 'No. I have been reeling out strings of assertions, which Sybil has languidly contradicted from time to time. You can't call that argument. Look! there's Charlie. Why didn't you marry him, Sybil, and stop in England? Who is that with him? Oh, Judy, isn't it? Are they coming here? What a bore!' Charlie and Judy strolled across the lawn towards them with extreme slowness. To walk across a lawn for tea and walk back again afterwards was the utmost exercise that Judy ever took. 'I am taking my walk,' she observed as she got near them. 'I am now exactly half way, so I shall rest. Sybil, you look as if you were resting too.' 'We are all resting, and we are making the most of it, because Ginger tells us we shall never rest again.' 'Do you want a chair, Judy?' asked Ginger. Bertie got up. 'Sit there,' he said. 'I am rather tired,' said Judy; 'but pray don't let me turn you out.' And she sat down. 'I'm so glad your father's party broke down,' she went on to Bertie. 'It is so very much nicer to have nobody here, except just ourselves, who needn't make any efforts.' Ginger gently applauded, his face still hidden by his straw hat. 'The voice of my country,' he remarked. 'Ah, somebody agrees with you,' said Sybil; 'so you are wrong. I am glad; I was beginning to be afraid you were right.' 'Has Ginger been sparkling?' asked Judy. 'Yes, sparkling Ginger-beer. Very tasty,' remarked Ginger fatuously. 'They swallowed it all. If you only talk enough, some of it is sure to be swallowed--not to stick. But it's finished now.' Charlie had sat down on the bank beside Sybil's couch. 'This is the last Sunday, then,' he said; 'you go to Scotland next week, don't you?' 'Yes,' said she--' just for a fortnight. Then Aix with Judy, and I sail on September 1st.' 'That is earlier than you planned originally.' 'I know; but we get a big boat instead of a small one. I thought it worth while.' 'Do you feel inclined to stroll a bit till tea?' 'By all means.' 'They are going to desecrate the Sabbath stillness by strolling,' remarked Ginger. 'It ought not to be allowed, like public-houses.' 'Ah, we are genuine travellers,' said Sybil. 'Come, too, Ginger.' 'Do I look like it?' 'No; but one never knows with you. Judy dear, would not a good brisk walk do you good?' 'I shouldn't wonder,' said Judy; 'but I shall never know.' Sybil put up her parasol. 'Come, Charlie,' she said.