en. The boy was undoubtedly developing under
this new influence. The spoilt side of his nature was giving place to a
new manliness that was infinitely more attractive, and Nick found it
impossible not to accept him with approval.

Sir Reginald Bassett's visit was to take place early in February, and
great were the preparations in progress for his entertainment. Daisy
Musgrave found herself swept into the vortex of Noel's energies, and she
on her part did her best to interest her guest therein. It was a futile
effort on her part. Hunt-Goring only laughed at her and paid her lazy
compliments. Why he stayed on was a problem that she was wholly at a
loss to solve. Quite privately she had begun to wish very much that he
would go. She was heartily tired of being for ever on her guard, and she
never dared to be otherwise with him. Not that she found it really
difficult to keep him at a distance. He was too indolent for that. When
she withdrew herself, he never troubled to pursue. His attentions were
never ardent. But he never failed to take advantage of the smallest
lapse on her part. She could never be at her ease with him.

Will Musgrave was inclined to smile at his wife's difficulties. Perhaps
he was not wholly sorry that the follies of her youth should thus come
home to her. He did not like Hunt-Goring much, but the man never gave
offence.

"I suppose he'll go when he's tired of us," said Will philosophically.

"And meantime neither Olga nor Noel will come near the place with him in
it," sighed Daisy. "I don't believe he will ever go."

He laughed at that and pinched her cheek. "We shall though, little wife.
That honeymoon of ours comes nearer every day."

She smiled an eager, girlish smile. "Dear old Will!" she murmured
softly.

It was on that same evening that Noel broke his rule and raced in to
give Daisy some important information with regard to his schemes for
what he termed "the Bassett week."

He was full of excitement and declared himself unable to remain for a
single moment more than his business demanded.

"I'm going to dine with Nick," he told her. "In fact, I'm due there
now."

"I never see anything of Nick nowadays," said Daisy.

"No; nor do I. He's at the Palace, morning, noon, and night. Can't see
the attraction myself. But no doubt he thinks he's doing something
great. By the way, you're coming round to old Badgers' to-morrow, I
suppose? We are going to hold a meeting of the committee. Olga wil