"Might have attended to the business a bit as she is at home, and me up
to my eyes in work. Humph! That's right."
Another entry was made.
"Blest if I can recklect so well as I used. Blow bikes! Why, they'll
be wanting to run races with 'em next, and--Mornin', doctor; ain't seen
yer for months."
"Morning, Sam. No; I've been away with my regiment. Here, someone, S.
and B."
This to the attendants in the bar, where he stopped for a few minutes
discussing the cooling drink, while behind the landlord's back he made a
few quick entries in his book with a metallic pencil.
"Dear old Hilt," he said to himself. "I was just in time. Got on for
him, so that he ought to be pretty warm by to-night. How's the little
star, Sam?" he cried, turning back.
"Oh, she's all right, sir, thank ye."
"You ought to be proud of her. She has taken all London by storm."
"So I hear, sir. I am proud on her, for she's as good as she is high."
"That I'm sure she is, Sam; bright, clever, witty, and not a bit of harm
in her, I'll swear."
"Right you are, sir. Sleep here to-night, sir?"
"Of course. I wired down."
"I didn't know, sir. Then, of course, it's booked. Dine too, sir?"
"Can't say, Sam. I hope I shall be engaged. If I'm not I shall throw
myself on Miss Simpkins's mercy."
"You'll be all right, sir. I've laid in plenty o' grub."
The doctor nodded, and as the landlord went on studying his betting-book
he unstrapped and took out his race-glass, wiped the lenses
thoughtfully, took a look through, after careful focussing, and put it
back in the case.
"Bless her!" he said to himself. "She's the dearest little witch that
ever breathed. She ought to have been here by now. They haven't seen
her at the paddock, and I can't get a peep at La Sylphide. I believe
they haven't brought her up yet. Well, no wonder, considering her
temper. Josh Rowle knows what he's about."
He took out his glass again, focussed it, and had a good look through it
at the common, alive with horse, foot and artillery, in the shape of
carriages laden with ammunition, loaded bottles ready to go off
included.
"Does she do it to lead me on?" thought the doctor. "I wish I wasn't
such a coward. But, there, if the Sylph wins I shall feel independent,
and can go at her without thinking I'm a money-hunter. Then, if shell
ask me to dinner, which I think she will, the wine will be in and the
wit may be out, but I'll pop as well as her champagne, and know the
worst. By Jove!"
He closed his glass suddenly, for, brightly and fashionably dressed,
Lady Tilborough passed close to the window and stopped his view of the
common. The next minute she was entering the hall.