92 TALES OF PINK AND SILK. 



first meeting soon developed into real affection, and by the 

 evening on which we find them together at the drive gate 

 they had become very dear to each other. They had been 

 for a stroll to look at Mr. Went worth's young blood stock, 

 that gentleman keeping two or three brood mares and 

 generally making a fair price of their offspring ; but he had 

 now walked across to his foreman's house, leaving young 

 Daubeney to escort his daughter home. It was time for that 

 young man to be returning to New Barns, and he paused at 

 the gate to say good-bye. Both were staring at the setting 

 sun, and a long silence ensued before young Daubeney spoke. 



" Bessie," he said after a while, " my chance has come at 

 last ; not a very great one, I fear, still it is a chance, and there 

 will be all the more credit if I pull it off. Mr. Dalton says I 

 am to ride Blue Kock in the Cesarewitch. Bates, of course 

 rides our first string, and the favourite. King Hal, but Blue 

 Rock is receiving 3lbs., and on his form at home ought to 

 win easily ; the question is, will he try ? I really think he 

 will run better with me than anyone else, and with 7st 21bs. 

 he ought to romp in, and then I shall be sure of some riding 

 in the future." 



" Oh, Bill, I do hope you will win. Father sa3^s you ought 

 to if only the old horse will try, but he never will. Mr. Field- 

 ing told him this morning that you were going to ride, and he 

 seemed so pleased." 



" If only I can get some regular riding I shall get on ; and 

 then in a couple of years or so, Bessie, who knows what might 

 not happen ? " 



Bessie held down her head and blushed. 



" May I have that rose, Bessie, it is such a beauty ? " 



" Yes, Bill." 



" Good night, Bess. Say good night to Mrs. Wentworth 

 for me. I won't go in again." 



" Good night, Bill." 



