"That's why I walk so. I can go from here right down to Lady Macquarie's
Chair in under half-an-hour. Over two miles! Not bad, eh, Ned?"
"That's a good enough record. Suppose we go down there now, Nellie, only none of your racing time for me. It's not too late for you?"
"Too late for me! My word! I'm still at the Phillipses and they don't bother. I wouldn't stay anywhere where I couldn't come and go as I liked. I'd like to go it you're not too tired."
"It'll do me good," said Ned, gleefully. So they set off, arm in arm.
After they had walked a dozen yards he stopped suddenly.
"I've brought you a rose, Nellie," he exclaimed, handing it to her. "I'm so pleased to see you I forgot it."
"I knew it was for me," she said, fondly, pinning it at her throat. "How ever did you recollect my colour?"
"Do you think I forget anything about you, Nellie?" he asked. She did not answer and they walked on silently.
"Where is Geisner?" he enquired, after a pause. "I don't know. Why?"
"Oh, nothing. Only he'd advise us a little."
After a pause: "What do you think of things, Ned?"