it to cover me up."

"Mark!" said Jenny, softly, with her eyes half closed. "Well?"

"I can't help Mr Trimmer speaking civil to me when he comes to see her
ladyship about the accounts."

"Oh, no, of course not," said the young man, sarcastically.

"I can't really, Mark--dear. He always seems to me like one of those
nasty evats that come down in the stone passage in damp weather, and
just as they do when they've rubbed a little of the whitewash on to
their throats."

"Jenny!"

"Yes, Mark dear. I do hope La Sylphide will win."

"Oh!"

"Ahem!"

Smart-looking, well-built, dapper little Sir Hilton Lisle, looking the
beau-ideal of a horse-loving country gentleman, entered the
breakfast-room.

CHAPTER FOUR.

THE TEMPTER'S CALL.

Mark and Jane started apart, looking extremely guilty--of a loving
kiss--but quite ready to make the best of things, the latter darting to
the table to rearrange the position of a couple of forks, and Sir
Hilton's body-servant holding out a hand, palm upwards.

"Do look sharp, Jane," he said, "and hurry up that hot coffee and the
kidneys. I knew Sir Hilton would be down directly."

"Mark!" said the baronet, sharply.

"Yes, Sir Hilton."

"You know I don't like humbug, eh?"

"Yes, Sir Hilton?"

"Jane, my girl, do you want to lose your place?"

"No, Sir Hilton. I'm very sorry, Sir Hilton--I--"

"Let him kiss you?"

"Oh, Sir Hilton!"

"Don't deny it! Saw more. You gave him one. Now, look here, both of
you. You, Jane, are a very nice, respectable girl, and I like you.
Mark, here, is a very good fellow, and if some time you two think of
getting married, I don't say I will not give you both a hundred pounds
to start life with--"

"Oh, Sir Hilton!"

"If I've got it. But no more of this. It looks bad, and is not
respectful to your employers. You both know, I suppose, that if her
ladyship saw half what I noted just now you would be dismissed, Jane,
and I'm afraid, Mark, I should have to part with you."

"I beg--"

"That will do--not another word. Breakfast, Jane--quick, please."

"Yes, Sir Hilton!" and Jane drew a breath full of relief, as she hurried
through the door.

"Heigh--ho--ha--hum!" yawned the baronet, placing his hands in his
pockets and looking down in a dreamy way at the breakfast-table. Then
he took out and opened his hunting watch, and closed it with a snap.

"E-lev-en o'clock," he said. "Her ladyship send for you, Mark?"

"Yes, Sir Hilt