'That needs to be made certain, Miss Hazel, and stipulated for.'
'Well, sir, you shall name the hour.'
'Name it yourself; but be home by half-past eleven. Miss Hazel, I wish, till you have your own horses, you would not go to such places.'
There was a shade of disappointment in her face, but she answered steadily—
'I will not go, sir, if that is really your wish.'
'My dear, we must meet the enemy. In the progress of ladies seeking their fortune that is always understood. What next?'
She hesitated a moment, carefully dressing the petals of a carnation in her hand.
'The third item, sir, is—that if to-morrow afternoon I—will consent to put—my little foot,' said Miss Hazel, evidently mastering a laugh, 'inside the right phaeton—Mr. May will consent to drive.'
'Mr. May! Confound his impudence!' was the by no means doubtful utterance of Miss Hazel's guardian.
Hazel bit her lips and sat demurely waiting further developments.