"I am so glad to see you," she said.
They walked away together, after she had introduced him to one or two of her friends.
Brack saw them and muttered to himself: "That's the lady was making inquiries about him at Torquay, and she doesn't know who he is; she can't. Wonder what her game is, and his? She knows Hackler too. There may be danger. I'd best give him a hint if I get a chance."
"What will win the St. Leger, Mr. Rolfe?" she asked.
"Ripon, I suppose; that is your tip," he said.
"Yes, they are very confident. His owner is one of our party; we are all on it. Have you backed anything?"
"I have a modest investment on Tearaway; I am staying at Haverton with Mr. Woodridge," he said.
"You appear to have faith in the filly."
"Oh, it's only a fancy; she may not be as good as they think," he said.
Picton saw them together. He was surprised, startled; he thought of Hector's remark about keeping his eyes open. He recognized Mrs. Elroy, although he had not seen her for several years. What a terrible risk Hector ran! Was it possible she did not recognize him, that she really thought he was William Rolfe? It seemed incredible after all that had happened. Was she deceiving Hector as he was her? Picton remembered his brother had spoken about a plan, and revenge. What was his intention? If Mrs. Elroy did not know he was Hector Woodridge, then indeed his brother had a weapon in his hands which might help him to awful vengeance; the mere possibility of what might happen made Picton shudder. Hector had suffered terribly, but was it sufficient to condone a revenge, the consequences of which no one could foresee? They appeared quite happy together. Had his brother fallen under her spell for the second time? No, that was not possible; it was not in human nature to forgive such injuries as she had inflicted upon him. Mrs. Elroy saw Picton, recognized him, and said to Hector: "That is your friend Mr. Woodridge, is it not?"