three causes why he lowered his eyes: First, she was mistress here
and he was an applicant for employment; second, he loved her; third,
he was committing the first bold dishonesty in his life. Once, it was
on the very tip of his tongue to confess everything, apologize, and
take himself off. But his curiosity was of greater weight than his
desire. He remained silent and waited for her to speak.

"Celeste, you may leave us," said Miss Annesley.

Celeste courtesied, shot a killing glance at the tentative groom, and
departed the scene.

"You have driven horses for some length of time?" the girl began.

If only he might look as calmly and fearlessly at her! What a voice,
now that he heard it in its normal tone! "Yes, Madam; I have ridden
and driven something like ten years."

"Where?"

"In the West, mostly."

"You are English?"

"No, Madam." He wondered how much she had heard at the police-court
that morning. "I am American born."

"Are you addicted to the use of intoxicants?"--mentally noting the
clearness of the whites of his eyes.