During a lull, before one of the big events, a seemingly endless procession passed backwards and forwards between the paddock, and the stand. Sir Dudley pointed out various celebrities to Nancy,—adding in each case some pithy, or cynical remark. She did not wish to be noticed and accosted, and kept her parasol well before her face, but the hat of her companion seemed to be scarcely ever on his head; his acquaintance appeared to be as the sands of the sea!
"There's the Duchess of Doncaster,—I see she is bringing out her second girl,—hard luck on Lady Alfreda. There's Claverhouse of the Blues, and the little American widow; I wonder if that will come off?"
These and other remarks were received by his partner, with nods and monosyllables. Her thoughts were elsewhere; her mind was in a tumult of fear, and bewilderment. Supposing Derek Mayne were to come forward, and claim her; what was to be her attitude? What would Mrs. De Wolfe think?—yes, and all her girl friends,—who talked to her so frankly, of their love affairs; Nora Wynne, Brenda Miller, and various others,—for she looked and was, a born confidante, and sympathizer,—what would be their feelings, when they were informed, that their simple Nancy had actually a husband in the background? Her reflections were interrupted by her companion suddenly asking, "I hope you had a good day?"
"'A good day?'" she repeated to herself. It was one of the worst, she had ever known! But she smiled faintly, and replied, "Oh, yes,—I've won! Tony Lamerton has given me tips. I put ten shillings on 'Dear Me.'"
"So I see that fellow Mayne is home again," remarked Sir Dudley; "strolling about with his old love,—Josie Speyde. She is looking remarkably well to-day,—those daring colours, suit her bold, black style."
Nancy raised her sunshade a couple of inches, and peeped out cautiously. There they were! promenading slowly together, Josie talking and gesticulating with unusual animation, and Mayne?—she surveyed him critically,—yes, he was remarkably good-looking; well set-up, well-dressed, and could hold his own, even with her present companion!
"Do you know him?" she faltered.
"Who? Oh, Mayne?—yes. Not very well, he's in my club, and we just pass the time of day. Not a bad-looking chap; one of the rough-and-ready sort: goes in for polo, boxing, and soldiering. He's afflicted with the most appalling stepfather, Torquilstone,—I actually had to leave the High Light Club, as I simply couldn't stand him; he seemed to live in the smoking-room, and never gave us a day off! I hear that Mayne's people are keen to get him married, and that Lady Torquilstone is looking about for a suitable daughter-in-law,—no penniless beauty need apply."
It did not strike Sir Dudley that he had said anything particularly humorous, yet Nancy had burst into rather a wild, and unexpected laugh. How odd, and jerky she was to-day! headaches affected people in different ways: as he looked at her shining eyes, and brilliant colour, he leant towards her, and said in his most seductive manner: