"A very good idea," said Mrs. Mildmay. "Violet, you look quite pale again this morning. I think a ride would do you good."
"I did not sleep very well last night," said Violet, flushing for a moment as she thought how many hours she had heard the clock strike, and how full those waking hours were of one individual. "And I think it would be the wisest thing this morning."
The horses were brought round, and Violet, having donned her habit, was mounted.
"Shall we try the downs?" said the captain, and, Violet acquiescing, the steeds were turned thitherward.
Violet felt trite, as she looked, and the captain endeavored to rouse her.
In consequence of those endeavors and the fresh breeze conjointly the color returned to the beautiful girl's face and the wonted light to her eye.
And it was looking thus joyous and happy that Leicester, grim and unhappy, mounted upon his black horse, met her.
"An unexpected meeting. I did not think to have the pleasure of an encounter with you this morning, Miss Mildmay," he said.
"There need be no battle though you have," she retorted, with a smile, carefully misunderstanding his words.
"We'll proclaim a truce, then," he said. "May I turn my horse's head?"