not know much
about Mr. Meason--nobody does; he is rather mysterious."

After this interview with Eve Berkeley, Jane had doubts as to the
wisdom of the course she was pursuing; they vanished when out of her
presence.

There were several villagers in the church and Jane's appearance
created a mild sensation. She seemed quite the lady, exceedingly
pretty. They had hitherto considered her as one of themselves, now she
looked superior.

Carl Meason was proud of his young bride, but he wanted her all to
himself, and after a brief stay of a couple of hours they left the
Sherwood Inn in his motor and started on their journey amidst the
cheers of the villagers. Carl had taken care to leave a liberal amount
of money with Abel Head for the villagers' benefit; he wished to create
a good impression and succeeded--for a time.

Tom Thrush made the most of his hours at Sherwood Inn. He was a
temperate man, but this was a special occasion. There was an ample
supply of liquor, to which he did full justice. The thought of
returning to his cottage and finding no Jane there made him feel lonely
and he remained at the Inn until closing-time.

Abel Head walked some of the way with him, and as they were about to
part, said:

"I hope Jane will be happy. She's a good girl, far too good for Meason
I'm thinking."

"Her'll be all right," said Tom. "The man's behaved well; he'll be
proud of her, you see if he's not."

CHAPTER XIX

HALF A HEAD

The matches were to take place at Newmarket on the first two days.
They had been arranged so that Alan Chesney might be present; leave was
granted for five days, and he hurried home from the front. Since the
desperate cavalry fighting with the Uhlans he had been promoted to the
general staff in a special capacity kept a profound secret to all
except those immediately concerned, and had already done excellent
service.

He arrived at Trent Park late in the evening, and at once went to The
Forest where Eve Berkeley anxiously awaited him. Bernard Hallam and
Ella were there but discreetly kept out of the way until they met.
Alan was bronzed and looked fit; Eve was proud of him. They had much
to talk over, and for an hour were left to themselves. No mention was
made of their marriage; it was understood it was to take place as soon
as possible.

When Bernard Hallam and Alan were alone the matches between their
horses were the subject of conversation.

"You've not seen 'em," sai