"I've had a good deal of luck, Lady Mary--more than my share. But, I believe, as a matter of fact, that Mr. Purrier heads the score."
Mr. Purrier disclaimed the soft impeachment.
"I doubt it. I never saw better shooting, Mr. Townsend, than yours."
"It's very good of you to say so. You all seem very nice and complimentary."
Mary Porteous laughed.
"How modest we are!"
People went into the billiard-room after tea. I stayed for a moment or two behind with Dora. I had not had a chance of a word with her at tea. She had been entertaining Silcox and Purrier--it was she who sent them to billiards. The rest trooped after them. We were left alone. I had been sitting a little in the shadow, on the other side of the room. I crossed to her.
"I've kept my promise."
"Thank yon. It is almost as if you had done me a special and a most particular favour. But I knew you would."
"You seem to know me very well."