CHAPTER V.

ON HORSEBACK


A little sleep and the fresh morning light set me up again. I
was to ride with Mr. Thorold in the evening; my mind fixed on
that nearest point, and refused for the moment to go further.
I heard from Mrs. Sandford at breakfast that Dr. Sandford was
no better; his low nervous prostration continued and
threatened to continue. Mrs. Sandford was much troubled about
me. All this suited my convenience; even her unnecessary
concern; for I had made up my mind to tell Mrs. Sandford I was
going to ride; but I would not till our late dinner, that
there might be no chance of her consulting the doctor. At
dinner I mentioned that a friend had asked me to ride and I
had half consented. Mrs. Sandford looked somewhat startled and
asked who the friend might be?

"Another officer," I said quietly; "his name is Thorold. I saw
him last summer, Mrs. Sandford; and I know about him. He is a
good one to go with."

"I can't ask Grant anything," she said, looking doubtful. "He
knows everybody."

"It is not needful," I answered. "I am going to take the
indulgence this once. I think it will do me good."

"Daisy, my dear!" said Mrs. Sandford - "You are as good as