"Yes, he makes a good landlord, for all he declares to the contrary. Then, too, he has a capable agent."
"Like Jasper," put in her companion, trying to keep his eyes away from her pretty, vivacious face.
Lady Constance was silent. However much she might dislike and distrust Vermont, she never expressed her opinion of him to Adrien. She therefore turned the subject quickly by inquiring after the next race.
"'The Brigades'--in two months' time," he replied.
"The 'King' will run, I suppose?" she asked.
"Yes, and I shall ride him," said Adrien quietly. "After an accident such as has occurred, none shall ride him save myself; then if anything should happen----"
"Ah! no! no!" cried Lady Constance, her face paling, and her blue eyes full of alarm; "you mustn't!--you shan't!" She stopped short. "I mean," she went on, speaking more quietly, "you must think what it would be--to your father--and auntie----"
"And you," he said eagerly, catching at her hands. "Would you care, too?"
She gently drew her fingers from his grasp.
"Of course I should," she replied, in her usual quiet tones. "Am I not a sort of cousin?"