“To-night, sir?” said the man, glancing at the lad’s courtly costume in search of his boots and spurs, and seeking in vain, his eyes being only met by glistening silk and rosetted shoon.
“Yes,” replied Denis haughtily; “to-night”; and then half laughingly, “It is fresh and cool and pleasant, is it not?”
“Yes, sir,” said the man, “but—”
“The rooms are hot and stifling to-night, and the Comte my master wishes to ride forth. You will be well rewarded for the extra trouble and—ah, here,” he continued, thrusting his hand into Leoni’s pouch, “I forgot; you will of course sit up till we return. Here is something to pay for wine.”
He held out a couple of gold pieces, which, as they were taken, acted like magic, and a busy little scene of emulation ensued, every man being eager to assist in bridling and saddling the beautiful chargers that had been standing haltered in their stalls.
It was hard work for Denis, whose pulses were throbbing with impatience; but he carried out his part well, patting and stroking first one and then another of the noble beasts, and talking to them the while.
“It seems rather hard,” he said, speaking in the same haughty tone to the man he had before addressed; “but a good canter round the park will do them good, and their work is very easy nowadays.”
The groom agreed to everything he said, for the glint of the gold placed in his hand was still before his eyes; and in a very short space of time, long as it seemed to the impatient lad, the last strap and buckle were fastened, and with a man giving final touches to glistening coat and mane, the horses were about to be led forth.
“We are to take them round to the great entrance, sir?” said the chief groom.
“Oh no,” replied Denis carelessly. “Just lead them into the entry; the Comte and his gentlemen are going to join me here. It is just for a quiet night ride, and—ah,” he added, with a faint gasp of relief, “here they come!” For heavy footsteps approaching hastily could be heard outside—footsteps of only one, but which the lad in his wild excitement easily magnified into those of all his friends, as he walked far more swiftly than he intended to meet the three fugitives, ready to mount and in full career leave the hospitable place behind.