"Oh yes," replied Nancy, "Saxton belongs to this part of the country, he has been with Mrs. De Wolfe for years."
The couple discussed the races, the fortune-teller, and other matters, but neither appeared to be in a talkative mood. It was delightful flying along these quiet, grass-bordered roads, and lanes, breathing the soft delicious air, watching the homing birds, and the solemn rise of a splendid harvest moon. Suddenly Sir Dudley said:
"I thought Mayne's leave was up, and that he was sick of this country, but I heard him tell a fellow at the races, that he was going to apply for an extension."
"Is he?" murmured Nancy, and a bright colour invaded her face. "Was this the outcome of their interrupted interview?"
"Yes, and the sooner he goes the better! Josie Speyde is carrying on one of her most outrageous flirtations. Lord! what a number of them I've seen! If I didn't know her so well, I would swear that this time, she was in earnest. There was Chapman, Fotheringay, Montague——"
"Oh! Sir Dudley, it really isn't fair, to tell tales of your own cousin."
"Josie wouldn't mind, on the contrary, she's proud of her scalps. She's a queer woman, in her way—a freak! Here we are, on a by-road I see. I suppose it's all right?" then as the car slowed down, and drew up beside a picturesque old cottage, he added, "but what is he stopping for?"
"I expect to get water for the car," replied Nancy. "What a dear place"—looking in through the open door—"there's such a darling oak chest in the passage!"
"Yes, I know your craze,—and I think I see some china on a dresser further on! Do you wish to go in?"
"Only just for a second,—it looks the sort of cottage where one can pick up the most priceless treasures!" Before she finished the sentence, Nancy was already in the passage. A stout, grey-haired woman with a bulky figure and a pleasant face, appeared, wiping her hands.