“Perhaps,” joined in the eager Mabel, “balloons will some day become as common as carriages!”
“In that case,” observed the doctor, “perhaps Miss Mabel will not care to enter one.”
Mabel coloured and laughed. “I daresay,” she replied, “that there is something in the excitement and danger,—supposed danger I mean,—that makes the thought of such a trip so delightful. I should like, I own, to do something which no lady in the county ever has done before.”
“That’s pride,” said her step-mother abruptly.
Such a gush of fierce angry emotion rose in the heart of the young girl at the word, opprobrious and yet so true, that Augustine, perceiving her feelings in her face, and fearing that she might give them vent, thought it as well to effect an immediate diversion. “I hope,” said he, turning towards the doctor, “that you and Miss Bardon will honour Aspendale by your presence on the day of the ascent of the Eaglet.”
The doctor bowed, for his sensitiveness was gratified by the respectful terms in which the invitation was couched.
“We shall not be a large, but a select party,” continued Augustine Aumerle. “I met Reginald Dashleigh to-day, and I think that he and his lady will come to witness the ascent.”
“Do you mean to say that you expect the earl as one of your guests?” exclaimed Bardon.
“If nothing prevent, I think that you will meet him at my house.”