No, not in England; at least only by hearsay, and he changed the conversation with a compliment on Miss Garfit's dress.
He got his opportunity at last with Elsie. There were certainly no traces of tears on her radiant face this evening. She lifted her bouquet.
"Thank you ever so much. It goes so beautifully with my dress."
"I have something to confess. I have committed perjury for your sake."
"For my sake!"
"I swore just now that the Outlaw was devoted to your service this winter, and that I was in duty bound to escort you. I think Miss Grarfit wanted to borrow the Outlaw. She is getting up Parliamentary riding parties, and I believe that she intends asking you and Lady Horace to join them."
"Do you really mean that I am to ride the Outlaw?"
"If you will honour me so far. He is here, at your service, as I said. You have only to say when you want him sent over."
"Horace has horses. I am sure Ina would like to ride. Mr. Blake."
"Yes, Miss Valliant."
"Please forget what I said last night."
"Once before, when you asked me to forget something that you said, I told you that I could not promise to do that. But I'll promise that I won't remind you of it. Besides, you said nothing that was not altogether charming and womanly."
They were just going to join the dancers. Trant passed them with Minnie. Pryde, and it seemed to Elsie that there, was a meaning expression in his eyes. But she forgot all about Trant while she was dancing with Blake. Later on she had a waltz with him, and he complimented her on her dress and upon her violets.
"I know that Blake sent you that bouquet."
"Yes, he did."
