"Picton, my boy, I congratulate you," said Sir Robert, wringing his hand. "By gad, I wish the Admiral could have seen this!"
Hector heard the words and turned round quickly; they cut deep into a not-yet-healed wound.
Picton looked hastily at his brother and guessed what that sudden movement meant.
"Thank you, Sir Robert," he said. "It is a great victory. I also wish my father could have seen it," he added in a low voice.
Rita's congratulations came next.
"I am so glad," she said, "so very glad; you own the best mare in England."
"Go down and lead her in, don't waste time here," said Sir Robert; and Picton went.
Hector followed him, glad to get out of the box. "I wish the Admiral could have seen it." Sir Robert's words rang in his ears.
He caught sight of Mrs. Elroy in a box and vowed he would make her pay to the uttermost for the misery she had caused. There was no mercy in him at that moment; the recalling of his father's death steeled his heart, deadened his conscience, made him cruel, hard, almost murderous. She smiled at him and her glance fanned the flame within him.
"To-morrow we journey to London, to-morrow," he thought.