Part 42 (1/2)

”What have you done to your hands?” he said, as she reached out for the plate he offered her.

She coloured deeply. ”Nothing--I mean--nothing serious. I often get my hands scratched.”

”Why don't you tell me the truth?” said Jake.

Maud looked up from her letter. ”It is as I thought. Charlie wants us to go down to Fairharbour to-morrow. He is getting together a luncheon party on board the yacht. The Melroses will be there and some of the polo people staying at The Anchor. Jake, you will come and support me, won't you?”

Jake shook his head. ”Bunny can do that job, my girl. I've got to get ready for Goodwood. Forest Fire is going to make his mark there.”

”Oh, bother Forest Fire!” said Maud. ”I want you.”

”What for?” said Jake.

”Well, General Melrose knows you. He was talking of you down at the Club the other afternoon. And I want him to meet you--with me. Please come, Jake!” Maud spoke persuasively.

”All right,” said Jake.

”You will?”

”I will,” he said, smiling a little. ”You don't often interfere with my liberty. I remember old Melrose, met him years ago at Doncaster. He's always been keen on the Turf, and he stood by me once when--someone--was trying to queer my pitch.”

”Oh!” said Maud. ”You mean the time that Charlie let you down! Poor Charlie! He was horribly ashamed of himself afterwards.”

Toby looked up sharply, and again the colour came into her face, mounting swiftly to her forehead. She appeared to be on the verge of hot speech, but no words came.

It was Jake who spoke in his soft, easy drawl. ”Oh, I guess he's grown a bit since then. Anyway, whatever his intentions, he never managed to do me any harm. And I rather think his malice is dead now.”

”It died long ago,” said Maud quietly. ”He owes you a great deal, Jake.

You've taught him to be a man.”

”I?” said Jake. ”My dear, your partiality runs away with your judgment.

Have some ham!”

He dismissed the matter in his own calm fas.h.i.+on, and began to talk of his animals. Breakfast proceeded, but Toby scarcely spoke and ate very little.

”It's so hot to-day,” she said when presently Maud remonstrated with her.

”I can't eat when it's hot--really.” She pushed her plate away and rose from the table. ”Do you mind if I go?”

”Yes, I mind,” said Jake. ”Go and sit in that arm-chair and smoke a cigarette! I shall be ready when you've finished.”

He held out his case to her, and, though she made a face at him, she yielded. She threw herself down in the chair he indicated and smoked in silence.

Chops came and laid his head upon her knee, and she fondled his silken ears with an understanding touch. But her eyes were fixed before her with something of hardness in their look.

Maud finished her breakfast and got up. ”I am going up to the nursery,”

she said. ”Don't hurry, Toby dear! The children can run in the garden till you are ready.”

”I shan't keep her long,” Jake said.