er, with every prospect of winning at the
first time of asking, I'd not have named her Evelyn. I waited until
Skane pronounced her one of the best before risking it," he said.

"And you think she'll win?" asked Evelyn.

"I shall be very disappointed if she fails. With such a name she can't
fail," he said, smiling.

Alan stood near the window; he saw a lady coming up the walk.

"A visitor," he said. "I'll be off."

Evelyn laughed.

"It is Ella Hallam; I don't think you have met her. She's an
Australian girl, I went to school with her. She returned to Sydney
when she finished her education, and only came to London a month ago.
We have corresponded regularly. I like her very much; perhaps you may
have heard me speak of her."

"I don't think I have," he said.

"Please don't go, I want to introduce you. She is coming to stay with
me at The Forest when the Epsom meeting is over; her father races in
Australia, I believe he once won the Melbourne Cup," she said.

Ella Hallam came into the room. When she saw Alan she said:

"I did not know you had a visitor. I ought to have asked. It is rude
of me."

"Alan Chesney is an old friend," said Eve. "Allow me to introduce you."

They shook hands, their eyes met, and Ella Hallam felt something in her
life was changed from that moment; as for Alan, he seemed quite
unconscious he had created any interest out of the common.

"Yes, I come from Sydney," replied Ella, in answer to his question
about Australia.

"And your father owns racers?" he asked.

"Yes; racing is his chief amusement. He's always saying it is a very
expensive hobby, and exhorts me to economize in order that he may keep
things going," she replied, laughing. "He is coming to England. I
expect him in about a month. He may bring one or two horses, he was
thinking of doing so I know. He has a very high opinion of our
thoroughbreds, thinks they are equal to your best."

Alan laughed as he replied:

"I have seen some of your horses run here. They are good, but equal to
our best, no; at least I do not think so. I have two I'd like to match
against any colonial-bred horse."

"Perhaps my father will give you a chance if he brings Rainstorm," she
said.

"Is he a good horse?"

"Rather, he won the Melbourne Cup," she replied.

"Then I shall be taking something on if I tackle him?" he said.

"You will--and you'll be beaten," she answered confidently.

He shook his head.

"I do not think