"Why not all the way?" he persisted.
"Because the King would object"—it was the flash of tenderness now.
"Nay, he would be quite satisfied," De Lacy answered unthinkingly.
She stopped short.
"Indeed!" she exclaimed frigidly; "well, I would not;" and turning abruptly, she entered a private passage and disappeared.
"Now the Devil take my foolish tongue," Aymer muttered, as the door clanged behind her… Then the horn rang out again, and in vast disgust and anger he hurried to his room and into riding dress.
But his haste made him awkward and he lost precious moments; and when at length he rushed down the stairs and into the courtyard it was to see Lord Darby swing the Countess of Clare into saddle and dash off beside her.
De Lacy swore such a string of good round French oaths that the silent Giles Dauvrey was so startled from his wonted equanimity that for the moment he forgot to mount and follow, but stood watching his master in serious wonder, as Selim raced toward the gate.
However, anger would not mend the matter and good humor might, so he put on a smiling front. And when he presently neared the Countess and Lord Darby he reined close beside her and cantered by with bonnet doffed.
"I shall claim your promise presently," he said, his eyes seeking her face—though he doubted much if she would give it to him.