'I hope the drive won't tire you; you know the meet is at least five miles from here.'
Emily did not answer. She looked charming with her great boa tied about her throat, and sprang into the dog-cart all lightness and joy.
'I hope you are well wrapped up about the knees,' said Mrs. Bentley.
'Oh yes, thank you; Hubert is looking after me.'
Mrs. Bentley's calm, statuesque face, whereon no trace of envy appeared, caught Hubert's attention as he gathered up the reins, and he thought how her altruism contrasted with the passionate egotism of the young girl.
'I hope Julia was not disappointed. I know she wanted to come; but——'
'But what?'
'Well, no one likes Julia more than I do, and I don't want to say anything against her; but, having lived so long with her, I see her faults better than you can. She is horribly selfish! It never occurs to her to think of me.'
Hubert did not answer, and Emily looked at him inquiringly. At last she said, 'I suppose you don't think so?'
'Well, Emily, since you ask me, I must say that I think she took it very good-humouredly. You said you were ill, and it was all arranged that I should drive her to the meet; then you suddenly interposed, and said you wanted to go; and the moment you mentioned your desire to go, she gave way without a word. I really don't know what more you want.'