So with such minor unpleasantnesses as roaring oaths, curses and
personal vilification, we won free of the denser traffic and had at
last left the great city behind us and Wildfire's scornful hoofs were
spurning the dust of Kent Street.
We rode by New Cross and Lewisham, through Lee Village with its two
"Tiger" Inns and the stocks upon the green, through Eltham with the
timeworn gables of its ancient palace rising on our right, dreaming of
past glories.
"To-morrow night, Perry--to-morrow night we shall see 'em! My
Loveliness! Egad, I'm only just beginning to realise how damnably I
miss her! Wonderful institution, marriage. To-morrow, Perry! And the
day after--home at Nettlestead Abbey--she and I. She loves the old
place--and the roses will be in bloom--she adores roses. This is why
I'm dragging you down to Nettlestead--must see everything
shipshape--the old place ready--with its arms out to welcome her home,
d'ye see--as it were."
"It is a glorious old place, Anthony."
"A curst dreary hole without her, Perry! Nothing like marriage, Perry!
You'll give up your chambers when you're married, of course?"
"I suppose so, Tony--when I'm married."
"Aha!" he exclaimed, evidently struck by my gloomy tone. "Is it your
damned shadow again--the blue devils? Oh, curse and confound 'em, I'll
race you t' the next milestone for ten guineas. Come on! Yoicks,
boy--hark forward! A touch o' the persuaders--and away!"
With a clatter of eager hoofs Anthony's raking sorrel sprang ahead;
but away in pursuit leapt my beautiful roan, shapely head out-thrust,
snorting, quivering, passionate for the fray.
Pages:
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351