Chetwynd Calverley by William H. Ainsworth

About a mile in the rear of Sir Bridgnorth was Mrs. Calverley's pony-carriage, driven by Laura, by whose side was Zephyrus, very smartly dressed indeed, and wearing a Paris hat, while in the groom's place at the back, and looking very like a groom himself, sat Tom Tankard. Tom thought himself rather slighted by being placed in an inferior situation to the _chef_, but he was obliged to submit, or stay behind.

The first part of the drive was pleasant enough. Zephyrus was charmed with the carriage and the ponies, and declared the equipage was as pretty as any to be seen in the Bois de Boulogne. He was likewise enchanted with Mademoiselle Laura's skill as a whip; and it was a gratification to him that Tom Tankard, of whom he entertained a secret jealousy, should be kept in the background.

But this latter circumstance, together with Laura's evident preference for Zephyrus, vexed Tom, and made him ready to pick a quarrel with the Frenchman. He soon grew very sullen, and took no part in the conversation. But this they did not mind. They did not care for his company, and Laura only brought him because she didn't like to drive out alone with the Frenchman.

Precisely the reverse of Tom, and full of life and spirit, Zephyrus had something amusing to say about everything. Laura was quite enchanted. Never before had she enjoyed so pleasant a drive. But then she had never before driven anybody except her mistress and the groom, and she didn't condescend to talk to grooms.

When they reached the heath, Tom shook off his sulkiness, and surveying the scene, called out:

"Look here, monsieur; here's a famous place for a steeple-chase!"

"A fine place, indeed! " observed Zephyrus. "I should say you could here have all the dangers you desire."

"I wouldn't advise you to try the heath, Mr. Tom," observed Laura. "Sir Leycester Barfleur lost his life in that dreadful quagmire."

"But a capital foot-race might be run on the hard turf," said Tom. "How say you, monsieur? Shall we have a trial of speed? Half a mile for half a sov'rin'?"

"Shall I run, mademoiselle? " said Zephyrus.

Laura gave him a look, as much as to say, "By all means; you'll beat him!"

"Agreed! " cried Zephyrus. "Mademoiselle Laura shall hold the stakes, and decide."

So saying, he placed a small piece of gold in her hand, his example being followed by Tom.

"Our mark shall be yonder tree," said Zephyrus, pointing to the shattered oak near which the ladies had been robbed by the gipsies.

"There and back? " asked Tom.

"There and back, of course," replied Zephyrus.

"Before we start," said Tom, "let it be clearly understood whoever wins is to sit beside Miss Laura."

"Bon! " cried Zephyrus. "I shall be certain to occupy that envied place!"

"Not so certain," rejoined Tom, with a knowing wink.

Ready in a minute, and in another minute off, at a signal from Laura, who had great difficulty in holding in the ponies when the start was made.