"Do not think of it," he said. "Pray forget it, as—I do," he added, with hidden irony. "It is a mere nothing."
Stella looked down.
"And I am sure that—Lord Leycester is sorry."
"No doubt," he said. "I am quite sure Lord Leycester did not want to break my arm. But, indeed, I was rightly punished for my carelessness, though, I assure you, that I should have pulled up in time."
"Yes, yes; I am sure of that. I am sure I was in no danger," said Stella, earnestly.
"Yes," he said, in a low voice. "There was really no necessity for Lord Leycester to throw me off my horse, or even to insult me. But Lord Leycester is a privileged person, is he not?"
"I—I don't know what you mean!" said Stella, faintly.
"I mean that Lord Leycester may do things with impunity which others cannot even think of," and his sharp eyes grew to her face, which Stella felt was growing crimson.
"I—I am sure he will be very sorry," she said, "when he knows how much you are hurt, and he will apologize most sincerely."
"I have no doubt," he said, lightly, "and, after all, it is something to have one's arm sprained by Lord Leycester Wyndward, is it not? It is better than a broken heart."