“I have seen Mr. Holden before,” said Herbert, coldly.
“Yes,” said Mr. Holden, writhing his disagreeable features into an unpleasant smile. “We have met before.”
Dr. Kent looked from one to the other in surprise, as if seeking an explanation.
“Our acquaintance doesn't date very far back,” said Mr. Holden. “We met this morning between here and the mill village.”
“Indeed,” said the doctor; “you passed each other, I suppose.”
“Well, no; I can't say we did exactly,” said Mr. Holden, with the same unpleasant smile, “We tried to, but the road being narrow, there was a collision, and I came off second-best.”
“I hope there was no accident.”
“Oh, nothing to speak of. I got tipped out, and my clothes, as you may observe, suffered some. As for my young friend here, he rode on uninjured.”
“You must excuse my not stopping to inquire if I could help you,” said Herbert; “but my horse was frightened by the collision, and I could not easily stop him.”
“Oh, it's of no consequence,” said Mr. Holden, in an off-hand manner. He was determined not to show himself out in his true colors until he had got Herbert absolutely under his control.