en
disappointed so often that I can't hope any more. Poor dear father
seems to have no idea how quickly money goes, and he is so extravagant
with his horses. He bought a new hunter this autumn, and made
alterations in the stables. I have tried to be careful, but, as I said
before, it is so little I can do! Well, this is the last stage but one.
There are a few more shares that can be sold to keep us going for a
little longer, and then out we go. Poor father, he won't be able to
carry out his programme at this rate. Esmeralda's duke has not come
forward, and neither has my millionaire. When we leave the Castle we
shall have to squeeze into a cottage, and live on potatoes and
buttermilk. I am glad I am not going to the meet. I should have been
wretched all the time, but Joan need not know until she comes back."

Bridgie's pale cheeks seemed sufficient explanation of her determination
to stay at home, and Esmeralda was sweetly sympathetic and concerned,
but quite decided that exertion must at all costs be avoided.

"Me dear, you must not think of going! It would be madness. I'll keep
father company, so don't you worry a bit, but just lie down and take it
easy the whole day long," she cried gushingly; and Bridgie smiled,
despite her heartache, and felt comforted by the reflection that two
people would owe their happiness to her absence.

The Major looked very handsome in his "pink" coat, but his brow was
clouded, and he sighed profoundly as he came into the dining-room to
light his cigar, and saw his eldest daughter standing disconsolately by
the window.

"So you are not coming after all, Bride? Letting Joan take your place?
Well, everyone to his taste. I feel as if it would do me good to have a
hard run and let off steam that way. I'll show them some riding to-day,
if they have never seen it before. There won't be much that will stand
in my way, but you prefer to stay at home and eat your heart out in
quiet. Your mother was the same; she couldn't throw it off. It's a
pity for your own sake you don't take after me instead." Then suddenly,
as he looked at her, his face altered, and he put his arms round her
with a rare tenderness. "Poor little woman! Poor little anxious
Martha, this is rough on you! I've brought about this ill day by my
thoughtlessness. If I'd been as careful as you, we might have lasted
out until the children were grown up, but I was like Micawber--always
expecting something to `tur