a
quarter before ten
`` Never were better , '' returned the Frenchman ; smooth and hard as a rock . `` You 'll enjoy it amazingly , I know . I 'll tell Jake not to get out the carriage , '' and without waiting for an answer the politic victor left the room . Richard had many misgivings as to the propriety of letting Edith go without him , and he was several times on the point of changing his mind , but Edith did not give him any chance , and at just a quarter before ten she came down equipped in her riding habit , and asking if he had any message for Mr. St. Claire . `` None in particular , '' he answered , adding that she might come back through the village and bring the mail . Once on the back of Bedouin , who danced for a few moments like a playful kitten , Edith felt sure she was going alone , and abandoning herself to her delight she flew down the carriage road at a terrific speed , which startled even Victor , great as was his faith in his young lady 's skill . But Edith had the utmost confidence in Bedouin , while Bedouin had the utmost confidence in Edith , and by the time they were out upon the main road they had come to a most amicable understanding .