"The divided skirt would come to the front with pistols and coffee for
two," cried Bertram.
"Yes, I should give her all the mud my tongue could throw," said gay
Mrs. Wingfield.
"There will be sport in Hall as field, when the hounds meet, if I'm
not mistaken," said the newsy little baronet.
"Why, how so? Sir Tilton," exclaimed Vaura.
"Well, you see, Miss Vernon, there was a lively discussion at luncheon
one day as to the next meet; when Mrs. Haughton announced her
intention of following the hounds, the Colonel objected on the ground
of non-experience."
"No," said Lady Esmondet; "Rotten Row is her experience, and 'tis
scarcely a hunting field."
"Unless for the praise of men," said Vaura.
"Or a husband," cried Mrs. Wingfield.
"But about the field, Sir Tilton; do you think Mrs. Haughton will take
it?" asked Vaura.
"I am sure she will, for I overheard her the same day make a bet of
L500 that she'd ride grey Jessie with the hounds next meet."
"So, so!" exclaimed Bertram, "the lady means it."
"And who might the favoured participator in her bet be, Everly?"
enquired Trevalyon carelessly.
Pages:
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183