It was a nice run, and that little horse carried you
charmingly. I wish I could see you ride him again" She shook her
head as she looked up into his face. "Why do you shake your head?"
"Because I am afraid there is no possible chance of such happiness.
We are going to such a dull house to-morrow! And then to so many
dull houses afterwards."
"I don't know why you shouldn't come back and have another day or
two;--when all this sadness has gone by."
"Don't talk about it, Lord Rufford."
"Why not?"
"I never like to talk about any pleasure because it always vanishes
as soon as it has come;--and when it has been real pleasure it
never comes back again. I don't think I ever enjoyed anything so
much as our ride this morning, till that tragedy came."
"Poor Caneback!"
"I suppose there is no hope?" He shook his head. "And we must go on
to those Gores to-morrow without knowing anything about it. I
wonder whether you could send me a line."
"Of course I can, and I will." Then he asked her a question looking
into her face. "You are not going back to Bragton?"
"Oh dear, no."
"Was Bragton dull?"
"Awfully dull; frightfully dull."
"You know what they say?"
"What who say, Lord Rufford? People say anything,--the more
ill-natured the better they like it, I think."
"Have you not heard what they say about you and Mr.
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