“You had a wonderful escape. Ruby is not half broken in. No one attempts to ride him except Rachel.”
Clementina felt the old sullen feeling surging up in her heart.
“Such a horse should not be taken on a riding-party,” she said shortly. “I have had lessons from Captain Delacourt. I can manage almost any horse.”
“You can doubtless manage quiet horses,” said Mrs. Lovel. “Well, you have had a wonderful escape and ought to be thankful.”
“How is Phil? questioned Clementina after a pause.
“Phil? He is quite well, of course. He is in the armory with the other children.”
“He was not well when I saw him last. He looked deadly tired.”
“That was his color, my dear. He is a remarkably strong boy.”
Clementina gave a bitter little laugh.
“You must be very blind,” she said, “or perhaps you don’t wish to see. It was not just because he was pale that he could not keep his seat on horseback this afternoon. He looked almost as if he would die. You must be a very blind mother—very blind.”