“Six to four,” offered Lionel, who was not a Follitt for nothing.
“Two to one would be more like it,” proposed the young lady. “I only mean sovereigns, of course. I’m not on the make.”
“Done!” answered Lionel promptly. “I wish it were thousands!”
“Well, it’s in your stable!” laughed Miss Anne, who seemed pleased, “and I suppose you know what you can do.”
“There’s only one condition. You must ask him before me.”
CHAPTER V
The interview which was the consequence of Miss Trevelyan’s bet took place the following morning, in the presence of most of the family. As has been said, the Trevelyans had the privilege of the mess-room when the house was full; and as Anne was very much in earnest, she found her way there after breakfast, when she was sure Jocelyn and his brothers would be together. She was not disappointed. They were scattered about the big room when she came in, and the Colonel was writing a note at his little desk before the window.
Lionel guessed why she had come, and gave her a lead at once. He had the morning paper in his hand.
“Have you seen this?” he asked, looking at her directly. “There’s been another of those awful motor accidents. The thing ran away, and caught fire, and was smashed by an express train. Frightful, isn’t it!”