It was some time after lunch, and within an hour of the big race, when Rada, who was strolling in the enclosure with Pierce, suddenly stopped, gave a low laugh, and laid her hand upon her companion's arm, forcing him to stop. "Look there!" she whispered.
Pierce, following the direction of the girl's eyes, perceived Jack Treves, conspicuous for his flowery waistcoat, his tight-fitting trousers, the horsiness of his coat, and the peculiar angle at which his hat was tilted. He was leaning against the lower row of stalls in the Grand Stand, talking to a remarkably smart-looking woman, who wore a feather of exaggerated dimensions in her picture hat. One of her hands, ungloved—probably to show the many rings she was wearing—rested in close proximity to the big fingers of Jack Treves. The pair were laughing and talking, quite unconscious of being watched.
"Who is it?" whispered Pierce.
"It's Daisy Simpson," returned Rada. "Another hated rival," she added, with a return of her natural humour. "She's an old flame of Jack's. She used to live down at Partinborough, and they were great friends before, and after, he did me the honour of wanting to marry me. She went up to town and became an actress, or something of the sort. She calls herself Daisy Montague and she must be getting on remarkably well," Rada continued ingenuously, "to be able to flaunt about in such clothes as that; but I've always heard that people make a lot of money at the music halls."
Pierce glanced again quickly at the young woman in question. "Daisy Montague!" he repeated. "Ah, yes, I've heard of her." He smoothed his dark moustache with his hand, as if to hide the smile that curved his lips. "I've no doubt she's very clever," he remarked; "a light of the music halls. I'm quite sure that her talent has been appreciated."
"Jack doesn't look as if he was worrying about me over much, does he?" asked Rada, with a little laugh. "I've often had an idea that he's rather regretted being off with the old love. I never could understand why he preferred me. Miss Daisy is so much more his style. Look at him now. Why, he's positively fawning over her! They used to say that he treated her rather badly in the old days, but I suppose he admires her now she's successful."
At that moment Jack turned and recognised Rada. He raised his hat, then after a few words to Daisy, spoken in a quick undertone, he turned away and sauntered up to the couple.
"I've been on the look-out for you all day, Rada," he said jauntily. "Must just have missed you in the paddock an hour ago, but knew that I should have to run across you soon." He stared pointedly at Pierce, who, however, refused to take the hint.
"Where are you going to watch the race from?" Jack enquired, after an awkward pause.
"I am going back to the coach," replied Rada, carelessly.