"You are sure?"
"I am sure."
"Then, my son, she'll forgive you. And if you want to play a straight game, tell her soon!" said Crowther.
And Piers, with all the light gone out of his eyes, answered soberly,
"I will."
CHAPTER XXV
DROSS
In the morning they hired horses and went towards the mountains. The day was cloudless, but Sir Beverley would not be persuaded to accompany them.
"I'm not in the mood for exertion," he said to Piers. "Besides, I detest hired animals, always did. I shall spend an intellectual morning listening to the band."
"Hope you won't be bored, sir," said Piers.
"Your going or coming wouldn't affect that one way or another," responded
Sir Beverley.