"Yes, she rides admirably, and--ah, I thought so; she has just discovered we were looking at her, or she would not have done that." "That" was to put her horse at a bit of bank and hedge bordering the grass-meadow, on which she and her party were cantering. She cleared it admirably, and drew rein close by the phaeton. As her horse jumped, Mrs. Hammond caught Laurence's eye, and her own lighted up with a saucy triumph; the exercise had done her good, and she was in great spirits. "Well, dear Lady Mitford, I hope you've enjoyed your drive; no accident this time, I see. But Colonel Alsager is a good whip.--I've heard your praises sung often by men who really understand the subject, Colonel Alsager. They say you have the very hand for a restive animal--light, but firm." "They get away from me sometimes, though, Mrs. Hammond," said Laurence, looking up. "Ah, that happens with every one," she replied; "but you always conquer at last, don't you?" "Always; and when I get them in hand again, I make them remember their freaks, and pay for them." "You're quite right," said she carelessly. "Ah, here is Major Winton. I assure you, Lady Mitford, the Major is the most perfect escort; full of talk and fun, he never suffers you to be dull for an instant. And there's the break arrived, and that energetic Captain Bligh managing everything as usual. What very large hampers! And I declare there's Sir Charles arrived before any of us, and superintending the laying of the cloth in that romantic-looking old tower." Lady Mitford caught sight of her husband at the same time, and hurried off to him. She was full of penitence, and wanted to set herself right with him at once. "Ah, and there's Lady Mitford off at the mere sound of his name. Look at that, Colonel Alsager, and--will you have the kindness to help me to dismount, Colonel Alsager?--No, thank you, Major, I won't trouble you; the Colonel is already on the ground. There, Laurence Alsager," she whispered, as she sprang from the saddle, "that is what I pine for,--domestic love;" and she heaved a little sigh, and tapped the ground with the delicate little riding-boot, which the lifting of her habit had exposed. For an instant Laurence was taken off his guard, and said bitterly, "When you might have had it, you spurned it;" then recovering himself, he added, "However, we have had that out once, and--" "And here is Major Winton," said Mrs. Hammond in her airiest manner. "Luncheon already, eh? then you shall give me your arm, Major, for this turf-hill is awkward to climb, especially in a habit." Meanwhile Georgie had hurried away to where her husband was standing watching the laying of the cloth in the one room of the keep, by the old châtelâine and her granddaughter. Georgie made her way up to him, and with the tears rising in her eyes, said, "Oh, Charley, I'm so glad I have found you; I wanted to speak to you."