"Of course, at the moment of dreaming I thought I was witnessing a real race, not the portent of one," said Lola; "otherwise I should have particularly noticed all helpful details."
"The Derby isn't run till to-morrow," said Mrs. de Claux; "do you think you are likely to have the same dream again to-night? If so; you can fix your attention on the important detail of the animal's appearance."
"I'm afraid I shan't sleep at all to-night," said Lola pathetically; "every fifth night I suffer from insomnia, and it's due to-night."
"It's most provoking," said Bertie; "of course, we can back both horses, but it would be much more satisfactory to have all our money on the winner. Can't you take a sleeping-draught, or something?"
"Oakleaves, soaked in warm water and put under the bed, are recommended by some," said Mrs. de Claux.
"A glass of Benedictine, with a drop of eau-de-Cologne--" said Sir Lulworth.
"I have tried every known remedy," said Lola, with dignity; "I've been a martyr to insomnia for years."
"But now we are being martyrs to it," said Odo sulkily; "I particularly want to land a big coup over this race."
"I don't have insomnia for my own amusement," snapped Lola.
"Let us hope for the best," said Mrs. de Claux soothingly; "to-night may prove an exception to the fifth-night rule."
But when breakfast time came round again Lola reported a blank night as far as visions were concerned.
"I don't suppose I had as much as ten minutes' sleep, and, certainly, no dreams."
"I'm so sorry, for your sake in the first place, and ours as well," said her hostess; "do you think you could induce a short nap after breakfast? It would be so good for you--and you _might_ dream something. There would still be time for us to get our bets on."
