ve and Alan Chesney if--if there was anything
between them. She hoped there was nothing, but was not sure. She
tried to persuade herself Chesney was nothing more to Eve than a good
friend, but in this she failed. She was almost sure Eve loved him, and
if so she must not attempt to rival her. She smiled, a little sadly,
as she thought it would be a difficult matter for any woman to rival
Eve in the affections of a man; also she had a conscience, and it was
apt to be particular on questions of principle.

It was Derby Day to-morrow, there was no reason why she should not look
at her best, so, like a sensible woman, she went to rest.

CHAPTER VI

A FLYING FILLY

A great crowd at Epsom, a Derby Day crowd bent on enjoyment and backing
winners. Ella gazed at the wonderful scene in astonishment; it was
different from anything she had seen.

It was not a new sight to Eve, and she smiled at her friend's amazement.

"I never expected anything like this," said Ella.

"Is it equal to a Melbourne Cup crowd?" asked Eve.

"More people, of course; but it is quite different."

"In what way?"

"I hardly know, everything is different, the course, the people, the
stands, the ring, that seething mass down there," and she pointed to
Tattersalls.

"Wait till you see the favorite's number go up, then there'll be
something to look at," said Alan.

"Is Merry Monarch favorite?" she asked.

"No, Gold Star and he'll about win."

"Don't you believe him," said Eve, "he's deceiving you; my tip will
win, Merry Monarch, I had it straight from the Baron."

"Who's the Baron?" asked Ella.

"A great admirer of Eve's," said Alan.

"Is that true?" asked Ella.

"Mr. Chesney states it as a fact; I am not aware of it," was the reply.

They went into the paddock and inspected some of the horses, but the
crush was so great they were glad to return to the box.

Half an hour before the great race there was a scene of unparalleled
excitement, for there had been much wagering for some weeks and several
of the runners were heavily backed. Orbit came with a rush in the
market and touched four to one; Merry Monarch was at eights, a good
price, for the Baron was a popular idol with the public.

Nothing, however, shook the position of Gold Star, who was firm as a
rock, and Alan accepted five to four about him in thousands; somehow,
he was not inclined to save on Merry Monarch, was it because the Baron
had given Eve the tip?

The par