Half-dazed and bewildered, he walked to the stand. The excitement was nearly over. Bets were being settled, and the pool-rooms were empty. As he came up, many hands grasped his and handkerchiefs waved, and kisses were thrown from the women above.
They were putting Clovis’ mares back into the carriage, and she was preparing to leave. She raised her veil, and turned her dark eyes upon him—those beautiful orbs so full of fire usually, now so filled with the tender light of love for him. Can he resist them, even at this moment when his own heart is stirred with a passion which well nigh stops its beating?
He raised his hat, went over to where she sat, and, taking her outstretched hand in his, said:
“I feel that I have your congratulations.”
“You have, indeed,” she whispered; “and—and—the boy?—he was not hurt?”
“No! thank God!” How hoarse and low his voice sounded; and the woman at his side saw what he did not—a tear fall on the ungloved hand that went up to her veil as he walked away.
Gray met him on the road to his stable.
“The heaviest loser here to-day is Clayton,” he said. “I never saw a more upset man. Of course, he swears there was foul play and is making himself generally disagreeable. He has been drinking champagne by the quart for days. Last night he was up with Bob and others till a late hour. I went to his rooms about midnight and found them. A blaze was dancing up the grate, where he was destroying some old love letters. I got Bob home, for I knew Selina wouldn’t like to hear of it. The others kept it up; and to-day the same party have had ice and wine for hours in the reception-rooms. I hope you won’t have any trouble with him, Neil. I should not like you to meet him just now, for the sake of——well, for a good many reasons,” he concluded, hastily.
“Never fear,” said his companion, with a smile. Ah! that slow, beautiful smile that had won him so many women’s hearts.
A couple of grooms were busy scraping and rubbing down his horse, which, in no very amiable mood, was having his jaws forced open by the wet sponge and the sweat cleaned from his sides.