"Oh, don't! you hurt me," cried the lady in her natural voice.
Lucy, barbarous girl, never came to her aunt's assistance. At the
first fright she seemed slightly agitated, but she now sat impassive
on her pony, and even wore a satirical smile.
"Now, dear aunt, when you have done, Mr. Dodd will put you on your
horse again."
On this hint David lifted her like a child, _malgre_ a little
squeak she thought it well to utter, and put her in the saddle again.
She thanked him in a low, murmuring voice. She then plied David with a
host of questions. "How came he so far from home?" "Why had he
deserted them all day?" David hung his head, and did not answer. Lucy
came to his relief: "It would be as well if you would make him promise
to be at home in time for dinner; and, by the way, I have a favor to
ask of you, Mr. Dodd."
"A favor to ask of me?!"
"Oh, you know we all make demands upon your good-nature in turn."
"That is true," said La Bazalgette, tenderly. "I don't know what will
become of us all when he goes."
Lucy then explained "that the masked ball suggested by Mr. Talboys'
beautiful dresses was to be very soon, and she wanted Mr. Dodd to
practice quadrilles and waltzes with her; it will be so much better
with the violin and piano than with a piano alone, and you are such an
excellent timist--will you, Mr. Dodd?"
"That I will," said David, his eyes sparkling with delight; "thank
you."
"Then, as I shall practice before the gentlemen join us, and it is
four o'clock now, had you not better turn your back on the sea, and
make the best of your way home?"
"I will be there almost as soon as you.
Pages:
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318