t, among her guests being
Ella Hallam, Harry Morby, and Vincent Newport, also Bernard Hallam, who
had just arrived from Australia. Alan stayed at the Royal Hotel, where
his horses were stabled. In the team were the Epsom winners, Robin
Hood, The Duke, and Evelyn; in the Hunt Cup he had Bandmaster, with the
light weight of seven stone.

Fred Skane pronounced Bandmaster a pretty good thing for the popular
handicap; he was much surprised when the horse only had seven stone
allotted him.

It was a brilliant Ascot; it always is, but on this occasion there
seemed to be more people than usual, and there was much gaiety in the
neighborhood.

Eve Berkeley, however, did not seem in such high spirits as usual. Her
love for Alan Chesney grew and strengthened. She longed for him to ask
her to be his wife, and wondered why he hung back. Was it possible he
did not see how she loved him? Alan had not been to The Forest much
lately, and she wondered why. Her attachment to him caused her pain,
for she saw no signs that it was returned in the way she desired. Had
she offended him in any way? She was not aware of having done so! Her
surroundings at Ascot, however, dispelled these gloomy feelings before
the first day's racing was over, and Alan had been more attentive to
her than for some time past.

On Hunt Cup Day there was a tremendous crowd, and thirty runners were
saddled for the big race. Spur was favorite, and even in such a big
field he touched four to one an hour before the race. Another well
backed was Manifest, while Hooker, Bird, and half a dozen more had
plenty of friends. Bandmaster stood at a hundred to five in the
betting, and at this price Alan and his friends secured some good
wagers.

Bernard Hallam was impressed by the horses, and his remarks in the
paddock proved he was a good judge. The Australian had a free and easy
way that soon won him friends. He was more approachable than Valentine
Braund, although they seemed to have much in common.

He was delighted with Eve Berkeley, and told his daughter she was the
most beautiful woman he had seen.

"Don't fall in love with her," laughed Ella; "she's dangerous, has a
host of admirers, but it doesn't make her a bit conceited. She is my
best friend; I like her so much."

Eve got on well with Bernard Hallam; he amused her. She liked him
better than the American; she thought him more genuine and reliable.

Baron Childs was running White Legs in the Hu