I made no reply, for I was trying to untie the handkerchief. The knot was too firm.
"No, no," he said, when he perceived what I was doing, "let it be so."
"Untie it, Sir!"
"I will not."
I put my face down between the horses' necks and bit it apart, and thrust it into my bosom.
"Now," I said, "shall we ride fast?"
He shook his rein, and we rode fiercely,—past our party, who shouted at us,—through the wood,—over the brow of the great hill, from whose top we saw the dark, motionless sea,—through the long street,—and through my father's gateway into the stable-yard, where I leaped from my horse, and, bridle in hand, said, "Good night!" in a loud voice.
Redmond swung his hat and galloped off.
Early next morning, Laura sent me a note:—
"DEAR MARGARET,—I have an ague, and mean to have it till Sunday night. The pines did it. Did you bring home any needles? On Monday, mother will give one of her whist-parties. I shall add a dozen or two of our set; you will come.