But if she would be
healthy and happy, let her throw that diabolical machine into the
fire. It is no use asking her to loosen it; she can't. Once there, the
temptation is too strong. Off with it, and, take my word, you will be
one of the healthiest and most vigorous young ladies in Europe."
Rosa looked rueful, and almost sullen. She said she had parted with her
doctors for him, but she really could not go about without stays. "They
are as loose as they can be. See!"
"That part of the programme is disposed of," said Christopher. "Please
go on to No. 2. How about the raw red line where the loose machine has
sawed you?"
"What red line? No such thing! Somebody or other has been peeping in at
my window. I'll have the ivy cut down to-morrow."
"Simpleton!" said Mr. Lusignan, angrily. "You have let the cat out of
the bag. There is such a mark, then, and this extraordinary young man
has discerned it with the eye of science."
"He never discerned it at all," said Rosa, red as fire; "and, what is
more, he never will."
"I don't want to. I should be very sorry to. I hope it will be gone in a
week."
"I wish YOU were gone now--exposing me in this cruel way," said Rosa,
angry with herself for having said an idiotic thing, and furious with
him for having made her say it.
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