"There is to be more blasting, I perceive; wait, though, before you apply the match, until we get beyond the region of the ravine. Our horses were made very unmanageable by it awhile ago, the groom could hardly hold them."
Again that wicked and contemptuous smile played about Cecilia's lips, for she had been quick to note awhile ago, that Eric had nervously started at the dull sounds of the explosion and had summoned the groom to his side. Her horse, too, had become very restive, but she had held it firmly in with the bit. Meanwhile she suppressed any remark and only said, while Egbert guided her and Eric to the place where the horses stood:
"Accept our thanks for your friendly guidance and explanation. You will be glad to be rid of such disturbing guests."
Runeck bowed low and formally.
"Oh, do not speak of it, I pray. Eric is here as proprietor on his own estate, there can be no talk of disturbance."
"And yet it would seem so. You were fairly shocked, when you caught sight of us in the entrance to the ravine."
"I? Have you such sharp eyes, noble lady?"
"Oh, yes, Eric often teases me about my 'falcon-glance.'"
"In this case, however, your sight deceived you. I was only anxious, when I caught sight of you so near--horses are so easily frightened by blasting."
The riding-whip struck impatiently against the folds of her silver-gray habit. Did that rock resist everything?