"Yes, it is dreadfully soon, Barnabas. But what does he mean by saying that people are talking of you to your disparagement? How dare they? Why should they?"
"I think because I, a rank outsider, ventured to lay a wager against
Sir Mortimer Carnaby."
"Do you mean you bet him that you would win the race, Barnabas?"
"No,—only that I would beat Sir Mortimer Carnaby."
"But, oh Barnabas,—he is the race! Surely you know he and the
Viscount are favorites?"
"Oh, yes!"
"Then you do think you can win?"
"I mean to try—very hard!" said Barnabas, beginning to frown a little.
"And I begin to think," said Cleone, struck by his resolute eyes and indomitable mouth, "oh, Barnabas—I begin to think you—almost may."
"And if I did?"