"Take care, Amy," said he, as her horse gave a sudden start, "tighten the curb a little more."
But Amy only laughed. "I like him to jump about," she said, "it shows he is in as good spirits as his mistress."
"I certainly never saw Mrs. Vavasour in such spirits," remarked Mrs. Linchmore, feeling herself neglected.
But Amy was not to be checked by a grave look from her rival. Since yesterday, when she had stood at the window with her eyes filled with tears watching her and her husband ride away, she had determined on standing her ground as Robert's wife; she would not fall away from his side at the first danger that threatened, and quietly without an effort allow another to wean his heart from her, but would win back his love to where it had been; and then, not till then, open her heart--as she ought to have done long ago--and tell him all.
Had Frances known of Amy's determination, or even of her contemplated ride, she would not have been walking so quietly along the lane rejoicing in the success of her stratagems. As she emerged into the road she met Bertie, who clapped his hands, and sprung out of his perambulator before Hannah's vigilant eye perceived him.
"I'll go with you," he said, taking Frances' hand.
"Come back, Master Bertie, this moment," said his nurse.
"Let him come," exclaimed Frances, "you are a very naughty boy, all the same, for being so disobedient."
"Please don't take him far, Miss, for it's most time for us to be turning home."
"No; only to the turnpike gate and back."
She took the boy's hand and away they went, Bertie chatting pleasantly until they reached the gate, where he made a stand and began climbing it, notwithstanding Frances' remonstrances. The continued talking brought Matthew to the window.
"There's some folks from the Hall," said he to his sister-in-law, who was busy peeling some potatoes.
Jane dropped the knife and turned sharply round. "Go out to them," she said, "we don't want them in here."
"It's only a young gentleman a-climbing the gate," he replied.
Jane picked up the knife and after a moment went on with her work; but Bertie had seen a cat with its kitten on the door-step; and had run into the cottage before Frances could prevent him.
"Go away! don't come in here!" screamed Jane.