"He is almost like a brother to Margaret; I wonder you never saw him when you were here before."
"He was in Europe," replied Sybil, indifferently. "I am sorry Margaret received that fright."
"I wish she had a little of your courage."
"I have been accustomed to ride from childhood—"
"And are the best horsewoman I ever saw."
"I ought to deny it, but shall not. At all events, I am not in the least afraid of Robin Hood nor of Sir Charles here;" as Sybil spoke, she offered the horse one of the roses she held in her hand. "That is a treat which the baronet appreciates," she added. "He isn't often fed with roses."
"What a waste of sentiment," he replied, "to feed a horse on what any man would covet."
"He is grateful for them, at all events."
"Perhaps his master would be more grateful still; you have not tried him."
She laughed, selected a beautiful bud from the bunch, and looked at it for a moment. When he reached forth his hand, she drew back the flower with a gesture too pretty to be called coquetry.