Richard at once recognised the equestrian of Bosco’s circus—tall, dark, Spanish, alluring, mysterious.
The two girls exchanged a passionate kiss, and then stood apart and gazed at each other, Richard discreetly stopped outside and held the horse’s bridle. In this animal he recognised the strawberry-roan mare, also of Bosco’s circus. In a moment the two girls came out on to the porch.
‘Mr. Redgrave,’ said Teresa, ‘let me introduce you to my sister. She had called here before, and, finding no one, had left. She came back for her whip. Juana, I am in great trouble. Mr. Redgrave has very kindly come to my assistance.’
Richard bowed.
‘Come into the drawing-room,’ said Teresa, ‘You can tie the mare up to this tree, Juana.
‘I expect she won’t mind the car.’
When they were all seated in the drawing-room Richard immediately perceived that the two girls meant, at any rate partially, to make a confidant of him. They talked quite openly before him.
‘Suppose father should come in?’ said the circus-girl.
‘You must hide,’ said Teresa positively, and, turning to Richard, she went on: ‘Mr. Redgrave, my father has not seen my sister for many months, and there are reasons why he should not see her now. You will understand——’
‘Perfectly,’ assented Richard.