“I had some trouble in doing it, I can tell you,” replied Oaklands; then turning to Fanny, he continued, “had you but moved differently when I castled my king to get out of your way, the game would have been entirely in your own hands, for I was so stupid, that up to that moment I never perceived the attack you were making upon me.”
“Really I don't think I had a chance of beating you: Frank must take you in hand next, he is a much better player than I am.”
“Indeed I am not going to be handed over to Frank, or any one else, in that summary way, I can assure you; I intend to have another game of chess with you tomorrow, after we come in from our ride.—I forgot to tell you that Harris says the little grey Arab carries a lady beautifully—however, 1 left orders for one of the boys to exercise her well this afternoon, with a side-saddle and a horse-cloth, to enact the part of a lady. At what hour shall we ride to-morrow? it is generally fine before luncheon at this time of year, I think.”
“Oh! you are very kind,” replied Fanny hurriedly, “but I am afraid I cannot ride to-morrow.”
“Why not? what are you going to do?” inquired Oaklands.
“I am not going to do anything particularly,” returned Fanny, hesitating, “but I don't know whether my habit is in wearable order, and—well, I will talk to mamma about it. By-the-by, I really must go and see what has become of her all this time,” she continued, rising to leave the apartment.
“I thought there was nothing my mother disliked so much as being hunted about,” rejoined I; “I wonder you can think of disturbing her.”
A playful shake of the head was her only reply, and she quitted the room.