Jake was lighting his pipe. His face wore a faint smile. He was holding Toby's animal as well as his own. "Aren't you going to ride again?" he said.
"No," said Toby.
"Oh, come on!" Bunny pushed his horse forward without dismounting. "Glad to see you, Charlie, but we must have one more gallop. Come on, Toby! Be a sport!"
But Toby, still holding Saltash's sleeve, would not so much as look at him. "Not coming," she said tersely.
Saltash laughed. Bunny coloured suddenly and hotly. "Oh, all right!" he said, and, wheeling his horse, rode away.
"Now you've hurt his little feelings," observed Saltash.
"Who cares?" said Toby, and nestled closer, till with his sudden reckless grin he thrust an arm about her shoulders.
"I'll tell you what it is, Nonette. You're getting spoilt all round.
Something will have to be done. Shall I take her away, Jake?"
"And bring me back when I'm good?" put in Toby eagerly.
He laughed and pinched her ear. "I shall want to keep you myself—when you're good. I haven't yet found anyone to sew on buttons like you do. No, ma chère, you'll have to stay and be caned for your sins. Jake is a better schoolmaster than I am, being so eminently virtuous himself. I hope you do cane her, Jake. I'm sure she needs it."