Page:The Semi-attached Couple.djvu/108



gentlemen all dropped in to luncheon, beginning by wondering how people could eat at that time of day, and ending by seating themselves and enjoying a good hot dinner. Beaufort came in last, with a very guilty countenance; but Miss Forrester was talking to Sir Charles Smith, and showed no sign of mortification or pique. He began to dislike her more than ever. The walk with the gamekeepers was apparently given up, as Lady Portmore was imparting to Ernest in an apologetic tone that Teviot insisted on driving her in the phaeton.

"And what vehicle is ordered for me, and who is to drive me?" said Ernest, languidly. "Helen, will you take a little more care of the rest of your guests?"

"You may ride with all of us—Mary, papa, and Beaufort, and me. Sir Charles goes with mamma and Eliza in the britzska, and we are all to meet at the most beautiful ruins you ever saw."

"So be it," he said, "I shall be a beautiful ruin myself by the time I have ridden an hour in this sultry weather; but I am resigned"; and the party set off.

"I shall be dreadfully frightened if we get mixed up with that crowd of people and horses," said Lady Portmore, as she took her place in Lord Teviot's phaeton. "Cannot we take some other road?"

"Certainly, if you are afraid, but my horses are very quiet; and if you wish for a pretty drive"

"But all the drives are very pretty. Let us go down that road, and I will give you my advice as to any improvements