y the tyrant, you shall have your own way this time.
Harry, the chestnuts did their work to admiration; Lawless was delighted
with them, and talked of nothing else half the way home."

"I don't doubt it--your queen's in danger, Fanny," was the answer.

Seeing that my companions appeared entirely engrossed by their game,
I occupied myself with a book till I heard the ominous sounds,
"Check! excuse me, the knight commands that square; you have but one
move--checkmate!"

"Who has won? though I need not ask. How dare you beat my sister, Master
Harry?"

"I had some trouble in doing it, I can tell you," replied Oaklands; then
turning to Fanny, he continued, "had you but moved differently when
I castled my king to get out of your way, the game would have been
entirely in your own hands, for I was so stupid, that up to that moment
I never perceived the attack you were making upon me."

"Really I don't think I had a chance of beating you: Frank must take you
in hand next, he is a much better player than I am."

"Indeed I am not going to be handed over to Frank, or any one else, in
that summary way, I can assure you; I intend to have another game of
chess with you tomorrow, after we come in from our ride.--I forgot
to tell you that Harris says the little grey Arab carries a lady
beautifully--however, 1 left orders for one of the boys to exercise her
well this afternoon, with a side-saddle and a horse-cloth, to enact the
part of a lady. At what hour shall we ride to-morrow? it is generally
fine before luncheon at this time of year, I think."

"Oh! you are very kind," replied Fanny hurriedly, "but I am afraid I
cannot ride to-morrow."

"Why not? what are you going to do?" inquired Oaklands.

"I am not going to do anything particularly," returned Fanny,
hesitating, "but I don't know whether my habit is in wearable order,
and--well, I will talk to mamma about it. By-the-by, I really must go
and see what has become of her all this time," she continued, rising to
leave the apartment.

"I thought there was nothing my mother disliked so ~322~~ much as being
hunted about," rejoined I; "I wonder you can think of disturbing her."

A playful shake of the head was her only reply, and she quitted the
room.

CHAPTER XLI -- HOW LAWLESS BECAME A LADY'S MAN

"Doublet and hose should show itself courageous to petticoats.
Therefore, courage!"
--_As You Like It_.

"From the crown of his head, to the sole of