"I dare not," he said with a laugh, as he mounted his horse and rode away. She stood on the steps watching; at the gate he turned and raised his hat, she waved her hand, and with a sigh, went into the house.
Hannah Moss, at one of the upstairs windows, saw him ride away.
"Drat the man," she murmured, "why doesn't he marry her; they're made for each other."
Eve went for a walk after lunch and her way took her to the village of Little Trent. She was popular with the villagers, the lady bountiful of the district, and gave with a liberal hand.
Abel Head stood outside the Sherwood Inn as she came along, he touched his cap, she stopped.
"We're having glorious weather," she said. "I suppose you are going to the Derby?"
"Never miss if I can help," he replied. "What's going to win, Miss
Berkeley?"
"Merry Monarch," she answered promptly.
"No!" exclaimed Abel. "Who told you?"
"That's a secret," she said laughing.