Eleanor answered a low and grave "no;" bending down over her saddlebow.
"Keep that which is committed to thy charge," he said gently.
"Farewell—and the Lord bless you!"
Eleanor had bared her gauntleted hand; he gave it the old earnest grasp, lifted his hat, and went on his way. Eleanor turned her horse's head again and found herself alongside of Mr. Carlisle. She rode on briskly, pointing out to him how far ahead were the rest of the party.
"Was not your friend somebody that I know?" he enquired as soon as there was a convenient pause.
"I am sure I do not know," said Eleanor. "I do not know how good your memory may be. He is the gentleman that was my brother's tutor at home—some time ago."
"I thought I remembered. Is he tutoring some one else now?"
"I should think not. He just tells me he is about to sail for the South
Seas. Mr. Carlisle, Maggie has a very nice mouth."
"Her mistress has a very nice hand," he answered, bending forward to Maggie's bridle so that he could look up in Eleanor's face. "Only you let her rein be too slack, as of old. You like her better than Tippoo?"
"Tippoo is beyond my management."
"I am not going to let you say that. You shall mount Tippoo next time, and become acquainted with your own powers. You are not afraid of anything?"