She sighed a little wearily and closed her eyes . When the heat was over he turned to her . `` May I ask how you have been since -- since we met last ? You are looking extremely well . Has Vanity Fair palled in any degree ? '' She was angry at herself and him . Where had her careless society manner and well-bred composure gone ? She felt weak and hysterical . What if she should burst into tears before the whole crowd -- before those coldly critical grey eyes ? She almost hated him . `` No -- why should it ? I have found it very pleasant -- and I have been well -- very well . And you ? '' He jotted down the score carefully before he replied . `` I ? Oh , a book-worm and recluse always leads a placid life . I never cared for excitement , you know . I came down here to attend a sale of some rare editions , and a well-meaning friend dragged me out to see the races . I find it rather interesting , I must confess , much more so than I should have fancied . Sorry I ca n't stay until the end .
I must go as soon as the free-for-all is XXXXX , if not before .
at before if in of over since than to until