“Good-bye, Paul,” she said abruptly, her voice low and a little unsteady. “And the best of luck.”
Her voice recalled his eyes from the far hills.
“What? Oh, thank you, Adelina,” he said, taking her outstretched hand in both of his. “You are a good fellow.”
“So are you, old chap,” she said, pulling her hand away. “And now I shall take charge of Mr. Dalton, if he will have me.”
“Gratefully, humbly, eternally, now and forever more, amen,” fervently said Dalton, coming back to them.
“Sounds satisfactory, doesn’t he, eh, Paul?”
“You will find him entirely so,” said Paul, with emphasis. “But be careful of him. Don’t put him over the jumps too soon.”
“I’ll take care of him,” said Adelina with a grin. “He looks fragile.”
“I am,” said Dalton. “I feel myself going all to pieces.”
“I wouldn’t if I were you,” said Adelina, with a saucy toss of her head.