"Oh, but I—I—could not!" she breathed.
Mr. Drake Vernon laughed.
"Why not?" he said argumentatively. "Fair play's a jewel. You can't expect to have all the innings your side, Miss Nell. You've treated me—well, like a prince; and you won't refuse to ride a horse of mine that's simply spoiling for want of exercise!"
Nell looked from him to the horse, and from the horse to him.
"I—I—am so surprised," she faltered. "I—I will ask mamma."
"That's all right," said Vernon, who had learned to know "mamma" by this time.
Nell left Dick and Vernon standing round the horses in man fashion. Dick was all aglow with satisfaction and admiration.
"Never saw a better pair than these, Mr. Vernon," he said. "I should think this one could jump."
She had just won a military steeplechase, and Vernon nodded assent.
"You must persuade your sister to ride her," he said.