Honora did not hear the answer, which at any rate was scarcely audible. She moved away, and her eyes continued to follow Vercingetorix as he trotted about the tan-bark after a groom. And presently she was aware that Trixton Brent was standing beside her.
"What do you think of him?" he asked.
"He's adorable," declared Honora. Would you like to try him?"
"Oh—might I? Sometime?"
"Why not to-day—now?" he said. "I'll send him over to your house and have your saddle put on him."
Before Honora could protest Mrs. Chandos came forward.
"It's awfully sweet of you, Trixy, to offer to send me to Fanny's, but Warry says he will drive me over. Good-by, my dear," she added, holding out her hand to Honora.
"I hope you enjoy your ride."
Mr. Trowbridge's phaeton was brought up, Brent helped Mrs. Chandos in, and stood for a moment gazing after her. Amusement was still in his eyes as he turned to Honora.
"Poor Lula!" he said. "Most women could have done it better than that —couldn't they?"