The expedition had for its object the selection of a run of ground for an amateur steeple-chase: the idea of which had sprung from Laxley's boasts of his horsemanship: and Rose, quick as fire, had backed herself, and Drummond and Evan, to beat him.

The mention of the latter was quite enough for Laxley.
'If he follows me, let him take care of his neck,' said that youth.
'Why, Ferdinand, he can beat you in anything!' exclaimed Rose, imprudently.
But the truth was, she was now more restless than ever.

She was not distant with Evan, but she had a feverish manner, and seemed to thirst to make him show his qualities, and excel, and shine.

Billiards, or jumping, or classical acquirements, it mattered not--Evan must come first.

He had crossed the foils with Laxley, and disarmed him; for Mel his father had seen him trained for a military career.