Wilfrid smiled the smile of the knowing.  Rivalry with Gambier (and successful too!) did not make Emilia’s admiration so tasteless.  Some one cries out:  “But, what a weak creature is this young man!” I reply, he was at a critical stage of his career.  All of us are weak in the period of growth, and are of small worth before the hour of trial.  This fellow had been fattening all his life on prosperity; the very best dish in the world; but it does not prove us.  It fattens and strengthens us, just as the sun does.  Adversity is the inspector of our constitutions; she simply tries our muscle and powers of endurance, and should be a periodical visitor.  But, until she comes, no man is known.  Wilfrid was not absolutely engaged to Lady Charlotte (she had taken care of that), and being free, and feeling his heart beat in more lively fashion, he turned almost delightedly to the girl he could not escape from.  As when the wriggling eel that has been prodded by the countryman’s fork, finds that no amount of wriggling will release it, to it twists in a knot around the imprisoning prong.  This simile says more than I mean it to say, but those who understand similes will know the measure due to them.

There sat Emilia on her horse.  “Has Gambier been giving her lessons?” thought Wilfrid.  She sat up, well-balanced; and, as he approached, began to lean gently forward to him.  A greeting ‘equal to any lady’s,’ there was no doubt.  This was the point Emilia had to attain, in his severe contemplation.  A born lady, on her assured level, stood a chance of becoming a Goddess; but ladyship was Emilia’s highest mark.  Such is the state of things to the sentimental fancy when girls are at a disadvantage.  She smiled, and held out both hands.  He gave her one, nodding kindly, but was too confused to be the light-hearted cavalier.  Lady Charlotte walked up to her horse’s side, after receiving Captain Gambier’s salute, and said:  “Come, catch hold of my hands and jump.”

“No,” replied Emilia; “I only came to see him.”

“But you will see him, and me in the bargain, if you stay.”

“I fancy she has given her word to return early,” interposed Wilfrid.

“Then we’ll ride back with her,” said Lady Charlotte.  “Give me five minutes.  I’ll order a horse out for you.”

She smiled, and considerately removed the captain, by despatching him to the stables.

A quivering dimple of tenderness hung for a moment in Emilia’s cheeks, as she looked upon Wilfrid.  Then she said falteringly, “I think they wish to be as we do.”

“Alone?” cried Wilfrid.

“Yes; that is why I brought him over.  He will come anywhere with me.”

“You must be mistaken.”

“No; I know it.”

“Did he tell you so?”

“No; Mr. Powys did.”

“Told you that Lady Charlotte—­”

“Yes.  Not, is; but, was.  And he used that word...there is no word like it,...he said ’her lover’—­Oh! mine!” Emilia lifted her arms.  Her voice from its deepest fall had risen to a cry.