A wild shot from Clara's partner a few minutes later resulted in a scattering of the little party, searching for the ball. For the first time Borrowdean found himself near Mrs. Handsell.
"I must have a few words with you before I go back," he said, nonchalantly.
"Say that you would like to try my motor car," she answered. "What do you want here?"
"I came to see Mannering."
"Poor Mannering!"
"It would be," he remarked, smoothly, "a mistake to quarrel."
They separated, and immediately afterwards the ball was found. A little later on the round was finished. Clara attributed her success to the excellence of her caddie. Mrs. Handsell deplored a headache, which had put her off her putting. Lindsay, who was in a bad temper, declined an invitation to lunch, and rode off on his bicycle. The rest of the little party gathered round the motor car, and Borrowdean asked preposterous questions about the gears and the speeds.
"If you are really interested," Mrs. Handsell said, languidly, "I will take you home. I have only room for one, unfortunately, with all these clubs and things."
"I should be delighted," Borrowdean answered, "but perhaps Miss Mannering—"