"
Simpkins rose to his feet with alacrity. He did not like being hunted
about the country by Meldon, and he had no intention of going back to
Donard; but he welcomed any prospect of escape from the horrible
situation in which he found himself.
"Won't you finish your tea?" said Miss King.
"He has finished it," said Meldon; "and he'd better not have any more
if he means to ride back to Donard. He's not in good training, and
another chunk of that rich cake of yours, Miss King, might upset him.
Good-bye, Simpkins."
"I'd like," said Simpkins, trying to assert himself, "to speak a word
to you, Mr. Meldon."
"So you shall," said Meldon, "but not now. The day after to-morrow you
shall say all you want to. Just at present I haven't time to listen to
you."
"Perhaps," said Simpkins, turning to Miss King, "I'd better say
good-bye."
He shook hands with her and Sir Gilbert, absolutely ignored Meldon and
Major Kent, and walked across the lawn. Meldon ran after him.
"I hope, Simpkins," he said, "that this will be a lesson to you. Owing
to your miserable procrastination, the Major has stepped in before you
and secured Miss King.
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