He saw Charlbury off the premises and turned back into the house just as Hubert came down the stairs, in long bounds. “Hallo, where are you off to in such haste?” he inquired.
“Oh, nowhere!” Hubert answered. “Just out!”
“When do you go up to Oxford again?”
“Next week. Why?”
“Do you care to go with me to Thorpe Grange tomorrow? I must go down and shall stay a night, I daresay.”
Hubert shook his head. “No, I can’t. I’m off to stay with Harpenden for a couple of nights, you know.”
“I didn’t. Newmarket?”
Hubert flushed. “Dash it, why shouldn’t I go to Newmarket, if I choose?”
“There is no reason why you should not, but I could wish that you would choose your company more wisely. Are you set on it? We could ride over from Thorpe, if you liked.”
“Very good of you, Charles, but I’m promised to Harpenden and can’t fail now!” Hubert said gruffly. “Very well. Don’t draw the bustle too much!” Hubert hunched his shoulder. “I knew you would say that!”