te partner.

The Major's friends carried the discussion out to him as he sat on
horseback, as though he had altogether gained the battle and was
secure in his position as Master of the Runnymede Hunt for the next
dozen years. But at the same time there came a message from Mr.
Mahogany Topps. It was now half-past two, and Mr. Topps expressed
a hope that Major Tifto would not draw the country on the present
occasion. The Major, thinking that it might be as well to conciliate
his enemies, rode solemnly and slowly home to Tallyho Lodge in the
middle of his hounds.

CHAPTER LVIII

The Major Is Deposed

When Silverbridge undertook to return with Tregear to London instead
of going off direct to Matching, it is to be feared that he was
simply actuated by a desire to postpone his further visit to his
father's house. He had thought that Lady Mabel would surely be gone
before his task at Polpenno was completed. As soon as he should again
find himself in his father's presence he would at once declare his
intention of marrying Isabel Boncassen. But he could not see his way
to doing it while Lady Mabel should be in the house.

"I think you will find Mabel still at Matching," said Tregear on
their way up. "She will wait for you, I fancy."

"I don't know why she should wait for me," said Silverbridge almost
angrily.

"I thought that you and she were fast friends."

"I suppose we are--after a fashion. She might wait for you perhaps."

"I think she would,--if I could go there."

"You are much thicker with her than I ever was. You went to see her
at Grex,--when nobody else was there."

"Is Miss Cassewary nobody?"

"Next door to it," said Silverbridge, half jealous of the favours
shown to Tregear.

"I thought," said Tregear, "that there would be a closer intimacy
between you and her."

"I don't know why you should think so."

"Had you never any such idea yourself?"

"I haven't any now,--so there may be an end of it. I don't think a
fellow ought to be cross-questioned on such a subject."

"Then I am very sorry for Mabel," said Tregear. This was uttered
solemnly, so that Silverbridge found himself debarred from making any
flippant answer. He could not altogether defend himself. He had been
quite justified, he thought, in changing his mind, but he did not
like to own that he had changed it so quickly.

"I think we had better not talk any more about it," he said, after
pausing for a few moments. After that noth