Eustace made a little
stammering about the thing being so near that no one could tell, and
Dora referred again to Harold, who put her down with a muttered
"Never mind" under his beard.
What was to be done with it if it were won? "Get a fac-simile made,
and an appropriate inscription," recommended Lord Erymanth.
"Probably they would take that willingly."
"But what would you do with it?" asked Harold. "You can't wear it."
"I tell you it is an heirloom," quoth Eustace. "Have you no feeling
for an heirloom? I am sure it was your mother who sold it away from
me."
The sight of the belt, with Lord Erymanth's lecture on it, inflamed
Eustace's ardour all the more, and we made extensive purchases of
bows and arrows; that is to say, Eustace and I did, for Lady Diana
would not permit Viola to join in the contest. She did not like the
archery set, disapproved of public matches for young ladies, and did
not choose her daughter to come forward in the cause. I did not
fancy the matches either, and was certain that my mere home pastime
had no chance with Hippo and Pippa, who had studied archery
scientifically for years, and aimed at being the best lady shots in
England; but Eustace would never have forgiven me if I had not done
my best. So we subscribed to the Archery Club as soon as we went
home; and Eustace would have had me practise with him morning, noon,
and night, till I rebelled, and declared that if he knocked me up my
prowess would be in vain, and that I neither could nor would shoot
more than an hour and a half a day.
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