“There is no dare in question. I like the girl.”
“Unhappy boy! and she has led you on.”
Captain Rolph whistled.
“Any telegram come for me? I sent a man to Brackley.”
“Telegram!”
“Yes. I want to know about the footrace at Lilley Bridge.”
Mrs Rolph gave her foot an impatient stamp.
“Listen to me, sir. This is no time for thinking about low sports.”
“Hallo? Low?”
“Yes, sir; low. I have never interfered when I saw you taking so much interest in these pursuits. My son, I said to our friends, is an officer and a gentleman, and if he likes to encourage athleticism in the country by his presence at these meetings, he has a right to do so; but I have not liked it, though I have been silent. You know I have never interfered about your relaxations.”