“Do you mean to go?” asked she, coldly.
“I suppose so; that is,” added he, with a bitter grin, “if I can tear myself away from you;” but she only smiled.
“I 'll have to pay a forfeit in this match,” continued he, “and my book will be all smashed, besides. I say,” cried he, “would Trafford ride for me?”
“Perhaps he would.”
“None of your mock indifference, Madam. I can't afford to lose a thousand pounds every time you have a whim. Ay, look astonished if you like! but if you had n't gone into the billiard-room on Saturday evening and spoiled my match, I 'd have escaped that infernal whist-table. Listen to me now! Tell him that I have been sent for suddenly,—it might be too great a risk for me to refuse to go,—and ask him to ride Crescy; if he says Yes,—and he will say yes if you ask him as you ought,”—her cheek grew crimson as he uttered the last word with a strong emphasis,—“tell him to take up my book. Mind you use the words 'take up;' he'll understand you.”
“But why not say all this yourself?—he 's riding close behind at this minute.”
“Because I have a wife, Madam, who can do it so much better; because I have a wife who plucks a carnation out of a man's coat, and wears it in her bosom, and this on an open race-course, where people can talk of it! and a woman with such rare tact ought to be of service to her husband, eh?” She swayed to and fro in her saddle for an instant as though about to fall, but she grasped the horn with both hands and saved herself.
“Is that all?” muttered she, faintly.
“Not quite. Tell Trafford to come round to my dressing-room, and I 'll give him a hint or two about the horse. He must come at once, for I have only time to change my clothes and start. You can make some excuse to the people for my absence; say that the old Judge has had another attack, and I only wish it may be true. Tell them I got a telegram, and that may mean anything. Trafford will help you to do the honors, and I 'll swear him in as viceroy before I go. Is n't that all that could be asked of me?” The insolence of his look as he said this made her turn away her head as though sickened and disgusted.