"And what did Lord Darby save?" the Lady Mary asked pertly.
Dacre smiled placidly.
"Nothing—not even his temper; the Countess saved that for him," he answered; and every one laughed—even the Duchess; though she shook her head at him, the while, in mock reproof.
"That forfeits your share of the reward," she said; then turned to De Lacy. "Some time, Sir Aymer, I must have a gallop beside the wonderful Selim."
De Lacy bowed low. "Why not on him?" he asked.
"Well, perhaps—when we all are together again."
"In London—or at Windsor?"
A faint shade of concern came into her eyes, and De Lacy's thoughts instantly recurred to the scene in the Duke's chamber the day he arrived.
"At Windsor, let us hope; the roads are charming there," she said, and then she resumed her embroidery.
"Be seated, sirs," she commanded.