He received the suggestion with careless good-humour.

At Rivenoak, Constance returned to it, insisted upon it, and, as he had little to do, Dyce went into Hollingford for lessons; in a week's time he could ride, and, on a brand-new bicycle of the most approved make, accompanied his nominally betrothed about the country ways.

Constance evidently enjoyed their rides together.

She was much more amiable in her demeanour, more cheerful in mind; she dropped the habit of irony, and talked hopefully of Lashmar's prospects.
"What's the news from Breakspeare ?" she inquired, as they were pedalling softly along an easy road one afternoon, Dyce having spent the morning in Hollingford.
"Oh, he's a prancing optimist," Dyce replied.

"He sees everything rose-colour--or pretends to, I'm not quite sure which.