"That's rather severe! I can't let you run him down. The other thing's more in his line, that's all; and it'll do him a power of good. He suffers cruelly from want of sleep, poor chap.—By the way, have you heard the latest suggestion for to-morrow?"
"No. I was—lying down this morning. What is it?"
"A burlesque polo match: ladies against men: the men to play on side-saddles by way of a mild handicap! Some of the older folk are a bit horrified at the notion. But I believe it'll come off; and they want me to captain the team."
"You? One of the champions of the Punjaub! What impertinence! Shall you?"
"Why, certainly. It will be rather a lark."
"Well, then, I'll play too, if they'll have me. Will you ask them, please?"
He regarded her in frank astonishment. "Jove! I never thought of that.
Are you in earnest?"
"But yes. In cut-throat earnest!" she answered, laughing.
"Ever tried your hand at it?"
"Never, in all my days. I will this afternoon though, if you'll take me in hand for an hour or so."