She took his hand after this and led him across the hall into the "long room," and when they emerged ten minutes later there were no signs of tears.
"Never fear," he chuckled, "I'll tell him this very night."
"Oh, but you mustn't tell him," she said, aghast. "I only want him to understand!"
"I see, I see," he pinched her cheek, "You only want him to understand. Well, he shall understand this very night, then."
"And you'll thank him for sending me Mac?"
"Yes, yes, I'll thank him, never fear. Wait now, till I order my horse; I'm going to ride home with you."
"It isn't dark yet, and I'm not afraid with Mac," she demurred.
"It is nearly dark, and I'm very much afraid," he bowed gallantly, "that I'll too soon be forgot for this airedale gentleman if you go alone."