"Well," he said, "I never--!" He
sat a minute in silence shaking his head, and continued to shake
his head and look round upon his neighbours as he devoured his
food.
Up-stairs there was a very cosy party who came in by degrees. Lady
Penwether was there soon after ten with Miss Penge and some of the
gentlemen, including Morton, who was the only man seen in that room
in black. Young Hampton, who vas intimate in the house, made his
way up there and Sir John Purefoy joined the party. Sir John was a
hunting man who lived in the county and was an old friend of the
family. Lady Purefoy hunted also, and came in later. Arabella was
the last,--not from laziness, but aware that in this way the effect
might be the best. Lord Rufford was in the room when she entered it
and of course she addressed herself to him. "Which is it to be,
Lord Rufford, Jack or Jemima?"
"Which ever you like."
"I am quite indifferent. If you'll put me on the mare I'll ride
her,--or try."
"Indeed you won't," said Lady Augustus.
"Mamma knows nothing about it, Lord Rufford. I believe I could do
just as well as Major Caneback."
"She never had a lady on her in her life," said Sir John.
"Then it's time for her to begin. But at any rate I must have some
breakfast first" Then Lord Rufford brought her a cup of tea and Sir
John gave her a cutlet, and she felt herself to be happy.
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