“Come out, sir!” vociferated Zephyrus; “you've lost!”
“Lost the race—but won the seat!” rejoined Tom, with a triumphant laugh.
“Come out, I insist!” cried the Frenchman.
To prevent the conflict that seemed imminent, Laura interfered; but she could not induce Tom to surrender the seat, so she tried to pacify Zephyrus by giving him the stakes, adding that they should soon be at Brackley, where a change could be made quietly.
Matters being thus arranged, though by no means to Laura's satisfaction, she drove on, and had just entered the park when Captain Danvers dashed through the lodge gate, and soon came up to them.
Apparently surprised at the sight of Laura, he stopped for a moment to speak to her.
“What are you doing here, Laura?” he inquired.
“My mistress allowed me to drive the pony-carriage to Brackley, captain,” she replied, rather quickly, for she didn't like to be thus questioned; “and I brought these gentlemen with me.”
“But don't you know your mistress is dangerously ill?” cried the captain.
“Not the least idea of it, I assure you, captain, or I shouldn't be here!” cried Laura, looking dreadfully frightened. “But I'll go back immediately.”