't like your idea of smashing Vernon. It isn't right, and it may come
back on our own heads, especially yours. I am sorry that he has left us,
as you were on Friday night, for somehow he was a good, honest stick to
lean on, and we want such a stick. But I am tired now, I really can't
talk any more. The doctor warned me against excitement. Get the girl's
consent, Aylward, and we'll see. Ah! here comes my soup. Good-bye for
the present."

When Sir Robert came down to luncheon he found Barbara looking
particularly radiant and charming, already presiding at that meal and
conversing in her best French to the foreign gentlemen, who were paying
her compliments.

"Forgive me for being late," he said; "first of all I have been
talking to your uncle, and afterwards skimming through the articles in
yesterday's papers on our little venture which comes out to-morrow. A
cheerful occupation on the whole, for with one or two exceptions they
are all favourable."

"Mon Dieu," said the French gentlemen on the right, "seeing what
they did cost, that is not strange. Your English papers they are so
expensive; in Paris we have done it for half the money."

Barbara and some of the guests laughed outright, finding this frankness
charming.

"But where have you been, Miss Champers? I thought that we were going to
have a round of golf together. The caddies were there, I was there, the
greens had been specially rolled this morning, but there was no You."

"No," she answered, "because Major Vernon and I walked to church and
heard a very good sermon upon the observance of the Sabbath."

"You are severe," he said. "Do you think it wrong for men who work hard
all the week to play a harmless game on Sunday?"

"Not at all, Sir Robert." Then she looked at him and, coming to a sudden
decision, added, "If you like I will play you nine holes this afternoon
and give you a stroke a hole, or would you prefer a foursome?"

"No, let us fight alone and let the best player win."

"Very well, Sir Robert; but you mustn't forget that I am handicapped."

"Don't look angry," she whispered to Alan as they strolled out into the
garden after lunch, "I must clear things up and know what we have to
face. I'll be back by tea-time, and we will have it out with my uncle."

The nine holes had been played, and by a single stroke Barbara had won
the match, which pleased her very much, for she had done her best, and
with such heavy odds in his favour Sir Robert, wh