CHAPTER XXXII 

"You are very smart, Ernestine," he said, looking her admiringly. 

"One must be smart at Ascot," she answered, "or stay away." 

"I've just heard some news," he continued. 

"Yes?" 

"Who do you think is here?" 

She glanced at him sideways under her lace parasol. "Every one I should think." 

"Including," he said, "Mr. Scarlett Trent!" She grew a shade paler, and leaned for a moment against the rail of the paddock in which they were lounging. 

"I thought," she said, "that the Mazetta Castle was not due till to-day." 

"She touched at Plymouth in the night, and he had a special train up. He has some horses running, you know." 

"I suppose," she remarked, "that he is more of a celebrity than ever now!" 

"Much more," he answered. "If he chooses he will be the lion of the season! By the by, you had nothing of interest from Fred?" 

She shook her head impatiently. 

"Nothing but praises! According to Fred, he's a hero!" 

"I hate him," Davenant said sulkily. 

"And so," she answered softly, "do I! Do you see him coming, Cecil?" 

"In good company too," the young man laughed bitterly. 

A little group of men, before whom every one fell back respectfully, were strolling through the paddock towards the horses. Amongst them was Royalty, and amongst them also was Scarlett Trent. But when he saw the girl in the white foulard smile at him from the paling he forgot etiquette and everything else. He walked straight across to her with that keen, bright light in his eyes which Fred had described so well in his letter.  QUESTIONS:

Q1:
1. Was the group of men large?
2. Were there a lot of men in the group?
3. Was the group of males a sizeable one?
