Ned Strong laughed merrily. “What a long memory you have, Mrs. Brevoort! It is nearly a year since you learned that I failed to register last fall, and now you bring a sweeping accusation against me. I fear you do not find me possessed of the saving grace of patriotism.”
“Patriotism!” cried the youth’s accuser. “Surely, if you have it, it finds queer ways of expression, Mr. Strong. You fail to vote, and yet you are forever denouncing this country for going to the dogs. I really believe that I have heard you crack a joke at the expense of George Washington.”
A smile of amusement crossed Kate Strong’s face. “He deserves what you are giving him, Mrs. Brevoort. Ned is a thorough believer in his divine right to let other people save the country.”
“This is unfair,” cried the young man, with assumed annoyance. “I am outnumbered two to one. You have me at a disadvantage. But I will not attempt now, Mrs. Brevoort, to defend my position. And, luckily for me, here comes my chance for escape. You cannot talk politics on the wheel, you two. Are you ready to mount? It is just three o’clock, and we are in good time for a long spin.”
A boy in livery had brought their wheels to the front of the club-house, and, mounting quickly, the trio sped down the pathway toward the entrance that opened on to the grounds from the main highway. Mrs. Brevoort and Ned Strong led the way, and Kate followed them, a flush of physical enjoyment mounting to her cheeks as she chased the south wind inland.
CHAPTER XIV.
Mrs. Brevoort and Ned Strong sped along in silence for a time. The roads were dry and hard, and there was enough life in the breeze that had kissed the sea to make even violent exercise seductive. Ned’s companion was an enthusiastic and accomplished wheelwoman, and she pedalled on merrily by his side, sometimes smiling up at him in the mere joy of physical exertion. They had reached the high-road, and were rapidly making their way toward New Rochelle when Ned turned to his companion and said:
“Tell me, Mrs. Brevoort, what is your idea of Kate’s feeling toward Count Szalaki? Do you think she is really interested in the man?”