In the morning an expedition was planned, and Uxmoor proffered his
"four-in-hand." It was accepted. All young ladies like to sit behind four
spanking trotters; and few object to be driven by a viscount with a
glorious beard and large estates.
Zoe sat by Uxmoor. Severne sat behind them with Fanny, a spectator of his
open admiration. He could not defend himself so well as last night, and
he felt humiliated by the position.
It was renewed day after day. Zoe often cast a glance back, and drew him
into the conversation; yet, on the whole, Uxmoor thrust him aside by his
advantages and his resolute wooing.
The same thing at dinner. It was only at night he could be number one. He
tuned Zoe's guitar; and one night when there was a party, he walked about
the room with this, and, putting his left leg out, serenaded one lady
after another. Barfordshire was amazed and delighted at him, but Uxmoor
courted Zoe as if he did not exist. He began to feel that he was the man
to amuse women in Barfordshire, but Uxmoor the man to marry them. He
began to sulk. Zoe's quick eyes saw and pitied. She was puzzled what to
do. Lord Uxmoor gave her no excuse for throwing cold water on him,
because his adoration was implied, not expressed; and he followed her up
so closely, she could hardly get a word with Severne.
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