"Let's go! Let's go!" cried Peggy.
And Noel turned as if the atmosphere had suddenly become poisonous, and bore her swiftly away.
A few seconds later, Daisy, running out to see the start, came upon Hunt-Goring upright and motionless upon the verandah, and was somewhat surprised by the rigidity of his attitude. He relaxed almost at once, however, and sat down in his usual corner.
"I had no idea Noel was here," she said. "Has he been waiting long?"
"Not long," said Hunt-Goring. "I have been entertaining him."
"Isn't he a nice boy?" said Daisy impetuously. "Look at him in the saddle—so splendidly young and free!"
Hunt-Goring was silent a moment. Then, as he took out his cigarette-case, he remarked: "He is so altogether charming, Mrs. Musgrave, that I can't help thinking that he must be one of those fortunate people 'whom the gods love.'"
"But what a horrid thing to say!" protested Daisy. "I'm sure Noel won't die young. He is so full of vitality. He couldn't!"
Hunt-Goring smiled upon his cigarettes. "I wonder," he said slowly, and chose one with the words. "I—wonder!"