"For such a rapid rider, you are indeed unfortunate," she said.
He laughed with careless effrontery. "Yes, the devil usually takes the hindmost,—so I've been told. Miss Larpent anyway is quite safe, for she will always be an easy first."
"There is such a thing as going too fast," commented Bunny.
"There is such a thing as getting away altogether," flung back Toby with spirit.
Bunny's eyes flashed into sudden, ominous flame. He could not have said why the contrast between the two girls—the one in her dainty summer attire and the other in her boyish riding-kit—had such an effect upon him, but for the moment it almost infuriated him.
Toby saw it, and her own eyes lit in response. She stood waiting for his rejoinder—the spirit of mischief incarnate, wary, alert, daring him.
But Bunny did not speak in answer. He drew in a hard breath through teeth that gripped his lower lip, and restrained himself. The next instant he had turned away.
"Oh, damn!" said Toby, and swung upon her heel.
Saltash and the General walked beside her, rallying her. But Bunny and
Sheila came behind in silence.