"I promised to ride into Standale with Mr. Vavasour," said she.
"Shall I order the bay to be brought round for you, Isabella? You will find him even quieter than Lady Emily."
"You know I hate strange horses, Mr. Linchmore. I wonder at your proposing such a thing. After being accustomed to one horse for so long, I should be nervous."
"I will ride with you with pleasure," was the reply, "and give you confidence if I can, and see no accident happens."
But no, her husband's escort was very different to the promised pleasure she had looked forward to with Mr. Vavasour.
"Thank you," replied she coldly, "but I shall stay at home, and give up all idea of riding until my horse gets well."
"Very well, Vavasour can ride into Standale with me if he chooses, I am starting for it in half an hour. By-the-by, what report did Bernard give of Miss Neville this morning?"
"Nothing very much the matter, I believe," said she carelessly, "simply a sprain caused by some folly or another."
"I am glad it is nothing more serious; she looks a delicate girl."