e people are so dull and settled
down. I wish you would call me `Delphine,' and come to see me as often
as you can. Just run in any time you are passing, and let me come to
you in the same way. I've been so bored. Well, never mind," she
brightened suddenly; "the fete will be a little excitement. I _am_
looking forward to that."

An idea flashed into my head. I was sorry for the girl, and intensely,
forebodingly sorry for her husband. If one could help to avert the
threatened tragedy.

"I am just wondering," I began tentatively. "Of course I can make no
definite offer without consulting Mrs Fane, but--would you like it if
we lent our grounds for the fete? The extra space might be an
advantage, and we could save you trouble by arranging for the tents and
refreshments, and perhaps organise some little stall on our own
account."

I really thought that might save a good deal of expense, and so add to
the profit of the afternoon, and also that with our wider experience we
might run the fete on more advanced lines, and so give her, as well as
the rest of the parish, a more amusing time; but to my disappointment
she flushed, and looked far from pleased.

"Oh, thanks, but--really, this is my affair! If I have all the duty and
responsibility of being the Vicar's wife, I don't see why I should give
up the fun of being hostess and arranging my own fete in my own way.
It's very sweet of you, of course, and I'm very grateful. I hope you
won't be offended."

I began to laugh.

"Offended! Why--Delphine, I was thinking entirely of you. I'm
immensely relieved, if you want the real truth. That's settled then,
and we'll give you some treasures for the Hunt. What would you like?
Make up an appropriate list and send it along. Anything you like, up
to--say five pounds!"

"Oh, you angel! Will you really?" she cried ecstatically. I had risen
this time, and she slid her hand through my arm, and accompanied me to
the door. Seen close at hand, her face looked almost child-like in its
clear soft tints. I noticed also that her blouse was very fine and
delicate, a very different thing from the cheap lace fineries which she
had worn when I first saw her. She followed the direction of my eye,
stroked down an upstarting frill, and coloured furiously. "Ah, my
blouse! Do you admire it? I wrote to town for it, to your dressmaker,
and I've ordered a lovely frock. You'll see. For once in my life I
shall be really well dres