"Sold on a bay mare--that is all," he replied, with an affected laugh, as if to dismiss the subject.
"How?" asked Sir Madoc, whom a "horsey" topic immediately interested.
"Like many other handicap 'pots' this season, my nag came in worse than second."
"A case of jockeying?"
"Pure and simple."
"When?"
"O, ah--York races."
"Why, man alive, they don't come off for a month yet!" responded Sir Madoc, somewhat dryly; but perceiving that his guest was awkwardly placed, he changed the subject by saying, "But your letter, Lady Estelle, gives you pleasure, I am glad to see."
"It is from Lord Pottersleigh. He arrives here to-morrow and hopes his rooms have a southern exposure."
"The fête-day--of course. His comforts shall be fully attended to."