answered. "I'd give you another in his place."

"That wouldn't be the same at all," she said.

"You prefer old friends?"

"Yes, indeed."

"Then I hope Jack will live a long time to be your faithful companion,"
said Alan.

CHAPTER III

"HE'S A SPY"

Evelyn Berkeley was at home, instructions were given that Mr. Chesney
was to be admitted when he called. She greeted him cordially; he saw
she was pleased to see him.

"You bring the fresh air in with you. I suppose you have been riding
in the Park?" she said, as she gave him her hand and a bright smile.

"It's the best part of the day for riding. I wonder you do not go out
more on horseback, you are a good rider."

"You really think so?"

"Yes--really."

"I have no one to ride with."

"There's me, won't I do?" he asked laughing.

"Oh yes, you'll do very well indeed, but I have to be careful; I'm a
lone woman and people talk."

"Let 'em," said Alan.

"That's all very well from your standpoint; you're a man, that makes
all the difference."

"Not in these days. Women are taking a hand in most things, giving the
men a lead. They are independent; probably they are right."

"Yes, I think they are, but still there are some things they cannot do;
women are more likely to be talked about than men, it matters more to
them."

"Why should it?"

"Because women are women, I can't give you a better answer," she said
laughing.

"I met Jane Thrush as I came past the monastery," he said. "Pretty
girl, is she not? She seems to like her lonely life at the cottage, at
least she says so."

"A very pretty girl, and a good girl," was her reply.

"Do you see her sometimes?" he asked.

"Yes, very often; she comes here when she likes, Hannah is fond of her."

"You're lucky to have Hannah Moss."

"I am; she's a treasure."

"Been at The Forest for years, hasn't she?"

"She nursed me, that's a long time ago."

He laughed as he said:

"Not so very long ago, Eve; we were playmates, I am not very ancient."

"Well, it seems a long time since I was a girl and you a boy."

"We were good pals."

"Always."

"And we are now?" he questioned.

"Pals? Does that fit the case?" she asked.

"I hope so; I trust it always will."

She hoped not, she wanted a deeper feeling to develop.

Alan looked well, such a fine healthy man, strong, athletic, and she
loved him; he little knew the strength of her feelings for him, how she
longed to be his, to be conqu