“So I thought, and I wanted to cry off; but then I’d no idea I was coming to meet you. Have some champagne?” he added. “No, no, please; I do not care for it.” “Just a little”--pouring it out as he spoke--“to drink to ourselves and old times”; and he lifted his glass and touched hers. “But,” he added, seeing that she had suddenly become extremely pale, “perhaps we should forget! Now that you know your place in the world, and I may be presuming on mine.” Joseline’s face expressed bewilderment; and then, as her eyes were drawn to his, the colour flowed back into her checks, for she had divined, by some infallible instinct, that Mr. Ulick had not changed. It was the same Mr. Ulick who had sent her the poetry, and kissed her through the pane. “Miss Tripp introduced me to Lady Mulgrave,” he continued; “she knows my aunt, Lady Barre, and she has asked Freddy and me over to-morrow for a bridge drive, to dine and sleep.” “Are you coming?” “Yes, we will motor over--forty miles.” “Just to play cards?” “That may be Freddy’s inducement; mine, you know, is to see you.” “And Rap?” she added. “I wonder if he will know you?” “Rap”--colouring--“the red terrier? Why, you don’t mean to say you have him still?” “Sure, six years isn’t long for a dog to live!” “And you brought him over?” “How could I leave him after me, when I knew he’d never be happy with any one else?” Major Doran nodded. “And how does he like the change?” “Oh, finely; he is very proud in himself, and great company for me just now--him and books.” “You got the one I sent you?” “Yes, I did so. Oh, it was beautiful poetry; I have it off by heart.” “Do you mind the day that’s over, And bless the day that’s here?” he quoted, leaning suddenly towards her, and lowering his voice. She was on the point of answering, when she caught sight of Lady Mulgrave approaching. “Joseline,” she said, “we have been looking for you everywhere. What _have_ you been doing with yourself?”--and she gave Major Doran a quick, sarcastic glance. “We are going at once. Now, don’t sit staring, my dearest girl,” she added peremptorily, “but run away and get your cloak.” CHAPTER XXIX