I ordered the horses when I was down at the stables; I think the afternoon is going to be fine." It was rather a public way of asking one out of so many to go and take a drive; but in truth, Richard was too honest and straightforward to care who knew what he was in pursuit of, and too sore at heart and too indifferent an actor to conceal it if he had desired.

But the invitation struck me with such consternation.

At five o'clock! The flower and consummation of the day! The hour that I had been looking forward to, since seven the day before.
I could not lose it.

I would not go to drive.

I hated Richard.