"
He touched his horse with the spur, and both riders urged their steeds
to a trot. Turning a bend of the road, they came suddenly upon a young
lady accompanied by two little boys, in smart velvet suits. They were
walking in the direction of Castleford--walking so smartly that the
smaller of the two boys went at a trot. "Hullo!" cried Colonel Ormonde,
pulling up for an instant. "What are you doing here? I hope the baby has
not been out so late?"
"Baby has gone to drive with mother," chorussed the boys eagerly, as if
a little awed.
"All right! Time you were home too," and he spurred after De Burgh.
"Mrs. Ormonde's boys?" asked the latter.
"Yes; have you never seen them?"
"I knew they existed, but I cannot say I ever beheld them before."
"Oh, Mrs. Ormonde never bores people with her brats."
"After they are out of infancy," returned the other, dryly.
A remark which helped to "rile" Colonel Ormonde, and he said little more
till they reached their destination, and both retired to enjoy the
luxury of a bath before dressing for dinner.
John de Burgh was a distant relation of Ormonde's, but having been
thrown together a good deal, they seemed nearer of kin than they really
were. De Burgh was somewhat overbearing, and dominated Colonel Ormonde
considerably.
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