“Now you are quizzing, Miss Stanton-Lacy!”
“No, I am only afraid that you may suffer for being seen in such a vehicle as this, and with so fast a female!”
“Hardly,” Miss Wraxton said gently. “Perhaps it may be thought a little odd in me, for I do not drive myself in London, but I think my character is sufficiently well established to make it possible for me to do, if I wished, what others might be imprudent to attempt.”
They were by this time within sight of the gate by Apsley House. “Now let me understand you!” begged Sophy. “If I were to do something outrageous while in your company, would your credit be good enough to carry me off?”
“Let us say my family’s credit, Miss Stanton-Lacy. I may venture to reply, without hesitation, yes.”
“Capital!” said Sophy briskly, and turned her horses toward the gate.
Miss Wraxton, losing some of her assurance, said sharply, “ tray, what are you about?”
“I am going to do what I have been wanting to do ever I since I was told I must not, on any account!” replied Sophy. “It is with me a kind of Bluebeard’s chamber.” The phaeton swung through the gateway and turned sharply to the left, narrowly escaping collision with a ponderous lozenge coach.
Miss Wraxton uttered a stifled shriek and clutched the side of the phaeton. “Take care! Please pull up your horses at once! I do not wish to drive through the streets! Have you taken leave of your senses?”
“No, no, do not be afraid. I am quite sane. How glad I am that you chose to drive with me! Such an opportunity as this might never else have come in my way!”