Page:Maud Howe - A Newport Aquarelle.djvu/175

 from the long fatiguing reel, her dark heavy hair had become somewhat loosened, and one perfumed mesh had escaped from the comb which fastened it.

As Larkington helped her into the carriage, the wind blew the soft tress against his lips; it felt like a caress, and he sprang after her, taking the reins from the strange groom who held them.

"I have lost my man; it's a most extraordinary thing; he is usually the most steady, punctual creature. I am afraid that Mr. Gray Grosvenor treated the coachmen too well, and that Stirrups did not show himself because he knew it would be better for him not to be seen," said Larkington.

"I suppose you can manage the horses for once without the moral support of your groom, and, as a consoling thought, remember that I am an excellent whip."

"If you can manage horses half as well as you manage men, Miss Gladys, I would back your driving against the field."