She
would not lose her chance with Lord Rufford for want of any effort
on her own part. If aught were required from her in her present
task that might be offensive to Mr. Morton,--anything that was
peremptorily demanded for the effort,--she would not scruple to
offend the man. But if it might be done without offence, so much
the better. Once he came across the room and said a word to her as
she was talking to Lord Rufford and the Purefoys. "You are really
in earnest about riding to-morrow."
"Oh dear, yes. Why shouldn't I be in earnest?"
"You are coming out yourself I hope," said the Lord.
"I have no horses here of my own, but I have told that man
Stubbings to send me something, and as I haven't been at Bragton
for the last seven years I have nothing proper to wear. I shan't be
called a Goarlyite I hope if I appear in trowsers."
"Not unless you have a basket of red herrings on your arm," said
Lord Rufford. Then Morton retired back to the Miss Godolphins
finding that he had nothing more to say to Arabella.
He was very angry,--though he hardly knew why or with whom. A girl
when she is engaged is not supposed to talk to no one but her
recognised lover in a mixed party of ladies and gentlemen, and she
is especially absolved from such a duty when they chance to meet in
the house of a comparative stranger.
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