I thought you did not know how late it is." Daisy mounted into her pony chaise silently.
"Have I interrupted something very agreeable ?" "You would not have thought it so," said Daisy diplomatically.
"What were you doing, down there in the dirt ?" "Preston, if you please, I cannot talk to you nicely while you are so high and I am so low." Preston was certainly at some height above Daisy, being mounted up in his saddle on a pretty high horse, while the pony chaise was hung very near the ground.

He had been beside her; but at her last words he laughed and set off at a good pace in advance, leaving the chaise to come along in Loupe's manner.

Daisy drove contentedly home through the afternoon sunlight, which laid bands of brightness across her road all the way home.

They seemed bands of joy to Daisy.
Preston had gallopped ahead and was at the door ready to meet her.

"What kept you so long at that dismal place ?" he asked as he handed her out of the chaise.
"You were back very soon from the Fish place, I think," said Daisy.
"Yes--Alexander was not at home; there was no use in my staying.