e and Challoner leaned against the fence.

"There'll be time to meet them coming back before they reach the spot
where the path rejoins the road. After all, I see no reason to
complain of being left behind."

Mrs. Chudleigh smiled at him. "That's very nice of you, and while the
sunshine lasts it's pleasant here. I often think an English wood, with
the varied colours of the trunks and mosses showing, is most beautiful
on a bright winter day. Besides, I wanted to talk to you. There's a
favour I must ask."

"You can consider it granted if it's in my power."

"Don't be rash," she warned him. "You may be surprised when you hear
what it is, but I want you to see the matter in its proper light and
not to be actuated merely by a wish to please me."

"It's a wish I should like to gratify," Challoner assured her. "But
please go on."

Mrs. Chudleigh hesitated. Beneath his formal, old-fashioned courtesy
which she had found attractive she recognized a stern
conscientiousness. He must, if possible, be convinced that the course
she meant to urge was the best, though she had the means of putting
pressure on him if this proved needful.

"Well," she said, "there is a rather important post vacant in a West
African colony and you have influence. Mr. Greythorpe is an intimate
friend of yours and may consult you about the matter. He will, no
doubt, have a part in making the selection."

"I have heard about it," Challoner admitted guardedly.

Instead of answering, Mrs. Chudleigh started and clenched her hand, for
she was looking towards the road and could see a woman's figure through
an opening between the trees. She recognized the dress, which was
behind the current fashion, and the new-comer's carriage, which somehow
suggested determination, further indicated Mrs. Keith. Mrs. Chudleigh
was glad that Challoner stood where he could not see the road, but she
watched in keen suspense when Mrs. Keith reached the gate and stopped
as if undecided which way to go. If she chose the field-path, Mrs.
Chudleigh's opportunity would be gone, and it might be some time before
she found another, while her business brooked no delay. It was,
however, fortunate that she and her companion could not be plainly seen
from the road because there were some bushes in the way and a tall
thicket close by formed a background against which their figures would
not show. After a few moments Mrs. Keith moved on and Mrs. Chudleigh,
who was consciou