Laughing rather scornfully, with a turn of her wrist she put a couple of yards between them.
"Not even for your sake, General, will I give up my darling. Do you think I have no heart?"
His brow clouded. He looked very stern and sad, but gulped down whatever he was going to say, and asked instead, "Why are you so fond of that mare? She's handsome enough, no doubt, and she can go fast; but still, she is not the least what I call a lady's horse."
"That's my secret," answered Miss Douglas playfully; "wouldn't you give the world to know?"
She had a very winning way, when she chose, all the more taking from its contrast to her ordinary manner. He felt its influence now.
"I believe I would give you the world if I had it, and not even ask for your secret in exchange," was his reply. "One more turn, Miss Douglas, I entreat you!" (for she was edging away as if for home.) "It is not near luncheon-time, and I was going to say—Miss Douglas—I was going to say—"
"Don't say it now!" she exclaimed, with a shake of her bridle that brought the mare in two bounds close to the footway. "I must go and speak to him! I declare she knows him again. He's got a new umbrella. There he is!"
"Who?"
"Why! Daisy!"
"D—n Daisy!" said the General, and rode moodily out of the Park.