“You don't know when you'll be back?” asked she, carelessly.
“Of course not,—how can I? I can only promise that I'll not arrive unexpectedly, Madam; and I take it that's as much as any gentleman can be called on to say. Bye-bye.”
“Good-bye,” said she, in the same tone.
“I see that Mr. Balfour is here. I can't tell who asked him; but mind you don't invite him to luncheon; take no notice of him whatever; he'll not bet a guinea; never plays; never risks anything,—even his affections!”
“What a creature!”
“Isn't he! There! I'll not detain you from pleasanter company; good-bye; see you here when I come back, I suppose?”
“Most probably,” said she, with a smile; and away he rode, at a tearing gallop, for his watch warned him that he was driven to the last minute.
“My husband has been sent for to town, Captain Traf-ford,” said she, turning her head towards him as he resumed his place at her side; “the Chief Baron desires to see him immediately, and he sets off at once.”
“And his race? What 's to become of his match?”
“He said I was to ask you to ride for him.”