“I really do. Perhaps there is some one else he cares for. I wonder if it’s the actress?”
“No!” was the answer, “I do not think it is Clovis.”
“Emory is a fine fellow!” exclaimed Maury, “and, if Selina wasn’t engaged to Bob, I’d rather see her fancy him than anybody I know. But it’s late! and my speaking of my sister reminds me that I promised to call for her at Mrs. Dale’s where she is taking tea. By the by,” he added, as they came down the steps of the club together, “are you going to the garden party at Mrs. Dale’s country place? Of course, you were invited?”
“I dare say I’ll put in an appearance,” answered Gray, “since it’s getting too hot for dancing.”
“Oh! but they will dance out there,” said Maury, “and in the open air, too.”
“Well! when I happen to hear a good band I generally feel inclined to take a step or two,” remarked Gray. “I am not a bit like Neil in that respect; he thinks it an awful waste of time.”
“But we’ll see him, at any rate; don’t you think so? And, Gray,” added Maury, as they reached the corner where their paths diverged, “I wish you would ask Emory to allow me to drive him out behind my team. I heard he sent his horses back to his place to-day. I’m rather proud of those bays of mine and want his opinion on their merits, as well as his agreeable company. Tell him, will you? And ask him to send a reply in the morning.”
“Very well; no doubt he will be delighted,” and the two parted.
CHAPTER XI.
A MOONLIGHT DRIVE.
When Emory stepped into Maury’s buggy to drive the three or four miles into the country to Mrs. Dale’s summer home, he doubted not that he would see Gwendoline there. They had not met since the day Cliquot won. To say he carried a calm heart and easy mind would not be true; and, as they neared the festive scene, he almost longed to turn his face homeward. They had started after an early dinner, and when they arrived most of the guests had already been several hours in the beautiful grounds, gay with both natural and artificial bowers. Cloths stretched for dancing, lawn tennis nets, showing their whiteness against the green, and Chinese lanterns of every description hanging ready to be lighted were in every direction. A few tents were pitched here and there, and the sweet strains of an Italian band filled the air.