"
"If I were at all conceited I would guess that 'lately' meant----"
"Yes?" she asked.
"But as I'm not conceited I won't guess."
"I'm afraid it's not quite the same, then, as in Washington!"
I made no reply.
"There, you would have been ready to believe I followed you
intentionally."
"Did you ever do that?" I asked.
She laughed. "We are quits now."
"Then I may ride with you?"
"Surely--why do you think I overtook you?"
I bowed to my horse's neck. "I am flattered," I said.
"You ought to be, sir."
I looked at her quickly. It was said, it seemed to me, a bit sharply;
but she gave me only the usual mocking smile.
"Where shall we go?" I asked.
"You have no choice?"
"None--all roads are alike delightful now. Besides, you forget I came
here only two days ago; this is my first ride since then."
"Then, suppose we go out by the Forge and around by the hill road above
the Palace?"
"You must be the guide," I replied.
"Come along, then; we turn to the right here."
"Only"----I began.
"Oh! I'll have you back in time for breakfast," she cut in. "That was
what you meant?"
"Your Ladyship is a mind reader."
"Nonsense! I'm human enough to have an appetite, too.
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