On this hint David lifted her like a child, malgre a little squeak she thought it well to utter, and put her in the saddle again. She thanked him in a low, murmuring voice. She then plied David with a host of questions. “How came he so far from home?” “Why had he deserted them all day?” David hung his head, and did not answer. Lucy came to his relief: “It would be as well if you would make him promise to be at home in time for dinner; and, by the way, I have a favor to ask of you, Mr. Dodd.”
“A favor to ask of me?!”
“Oh, you know we all make demands upon your good-nature in turn.”
“That is true,” said La Bazalgette, tenderly. “I don't know what will become of us all when he goes.”
Lucy then explained “that the masked ball suggested by Mr. Talboys' beautiful dresses was to be very soon, and she wanted Mr. Dodd to practice quadrilles and waltzes with her; it will be so much better with the violin and piano than with a piano alone, and you are such an excellent timist—will you, Mr. Dodd?”
“That I will,” said David, his eyes sparkling with delight; “thank you.”
“Then, as I shall practice before the gentlemen join us, and it is four o'clock now, had you not better turn your back on the sea, and make the best of your way home?”
“I will be there almost as soon as you.”
“Indeed! what, on foot, and we on horseback?”
“Ay; but I can steer in the wind's eye.”