“Hadn’t you better go home at once?” suggested Randolph. “My horse is beginning to cough.”
“Yes—yes!” cried half-a-dozen. “Go home at once.”
“And if you are wise,” added Hargate, “take a dip in the sea—boots, helmet, pantaloons, and all.”
I obtained permission to fall out, and retired in a state of inconceivable disgust. Towards the carriage where Edith was seated I dared not go; and with a big and throbbing heart I recollected that she had witnessed my disgrace.
“But she shall yet see,” I mentally exclaimed, “that I am worthy of her! Once let me cast this foul and filthy slough—let me don her favourite colours—let me win the prize, as I am sure I ought to do, and the treasure of her heart may be mine!—You young villain! if you make faces at me again, I shall fetch you a cut over the costard!”
“Soor dook!” shouted the varlet. “Eh! see till the man that’s been coupit ower in the glaur!”
I rode home as rapidly as possible. I throw a veil over the triumphant ejaculations of Nelly at the sight of my ruined uniform, and the personal allusions she made to the retreat and discomfiture of the Philistines. That evening I avoided mess, and courted a sound sleep to prepare me for the fatigues of the ensuing day.