"They were not in five minutes ago, for I sent to ask." "Which of the two won the race ?" inquired Lady Maude of Captain Dawkes.
"I don't think Carteret did," he replied, laughing.

"He seemed as sulky as a bear, and growled out that there had been no race, for Hartledon had played him a trick." "What did he mean ?" "Goodness knows." "I hope Hartledon upset him," charitably interrupted the dowager.

"A ducking would do that boy good; he is too forward by half." There was more waiting.

The countess-dowager flounced about in her pink satin gown; but it did not bring the loiterers any the sooner.

Lady Maude--perverse still, but beautiful--talked in whispers to the hero of the day, Mr.Shute; wearing a blue-silk robe and a blue wreath in her hair.