‘Janie has a headache, Captain Norton, and is lying down until dinner time. I believe she is asleep,’ she said, as she observed the roving look I cast about in search of my wife.
‘Ah, poor little woman, it will be the best thing for her,’ I replied. ‘The horses will be round directly, Miss Anstruther; but I am sorry you did not make me understand your intention of riding more plainly; it was quite by chance that I returned home so early.’
At this she turned and regarded me with serious surprise.
‘I had no intention of troubling you,’ she said quickly; ‘I can ride by myself.’
‘By yourself, and on a strange animal, Miss Anstruther! It is quite out of the question.’
‘I have ridden all sorts of animals.’
‘Perhaps; but not without an attendant. What would the regiment think to see you riding alone?’
‘I am sorry, I have mistaken the place,’ she said gravely. ‘I thought Mushin-Bunda was so very quiet that one might do anything here. I should not think of troubling you to accompany me.’
And she turned towards the house as though with the intention of giving up her ride. But I placed myself upon the threshold, and barred her entrance.
‘You have not been treating me fairly for some days past, Miss Anstruther. What have I done to offend you?’