"She had
quite forgotten," she said, "to tell him last night of her morning's
engagement; indeed, she had half forgotten IT. It used to be a favorite
practice of hers, with Captain Greyson; but she had lately given it up.
She believed she had not ridden since--since--"
"Since when?" asked Mainwaring.
"Well, since you were ill," she said frankly.
A quick pleasure shone in Mainwaring's cheek and eye; but Louise's
pretty lids did not drop, nor her faint, quiet bloom deepen. Breakfast
was already waiting when Mr. Richardson arrived alone.
He explained that Mr. Bradley had some important and unexpected business
which had delayed him, but which, he added, "Mr. Bradley says may
prove interesting enough to you to excuse his absence this morning."
Mainwaring was not displeased that his critical and observant host was
not present at their meeting. Louise Macy was, however, as demurely
conscious of the different bearing of the two compatriots. Richardson's
somewhat self-important patronage of the two ladies, and that
Californian familiarity he had acquired, changed to a certain uneasy
deference towards Mainwaring; while the younger Englishman's slightly
stiff and deliberate cordiality was, nevertheless, mingled with a
mysterious understanding that appeared innate and unconscious.
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