"I don't recollect, but it is very probable. He is in the 5th National Militia: Count Bylandt's brigade, stationed somewhere near Nivelles - Buzet, I think. He has estates north of Ghent, and a truly delightful house in the Rue d'Aremberg, here in Brussels."
"A gentleman of consequence evidently."
"Fabulously rich!" said Barbara with an ecstatic sigh, and touching the grey's flank with her heel, went ahead with a brisk trot.
He rode after; both horses broke into a canter, and their riders covered some distance under the limes without speaking. Barbara presently turned her head and asked bluntly: "Did you ride this way, and at this hour, to meet me?"
"Yes, of course."
She looked a little amused. "How did you know I rode here before breakfast?"
"Something you said last night gave me the clue, and I discovered the rest."
"The deuce you did! I had thought very few people knew of this habit of mine. Don't betray me, if you please. I don't want an escort."
"Shall I go?" enquired the Colonel with uplifted brows.
She reined in again to walk. "No. You have had the luck to encounter me in a charming mood, which is not a thing that happens every day of the week. I warn you, I have the most damnable temper, and it is generally at its worst before breakfast."