“Is it to be broken off?” exclaimed Mabel.
“There is nothing yet to break off. I am not engaged to him, as I said before.”
“Oh, well, but——”
“And I would prefer that you should not aid in spreading the impression about. Do not couple my name with any intended marriage at present, Mabel. I have no such thought in connection with Mr. Haywood or any one else.”
“I will obey your injunction. And now will you stop or ride farther?”
The drive had taken them through several streets and by a circuitous route back to Elm Grove.
“I will get out,” replied Florence, “and accept my thanks, Mabel. I have enjoyed the ride very much.”
“I am glad! I will come again for you to-morrow.”
Florence alighted, and was proceeding up the broad path to the house. As Mabel was gathering up the reins preparatory to starting homeward, Florence turned and said:
“I was going to say, when we were down town, Mabel, that I had hoped all along that Carlos Conrad would escape.”