or take so much notice of his
suggestions.

Fraser was a good-looking man, verging on fifty, tall, well-built, an
athlete in his younger days, a good shot and an enthusiastic angler.
He was a frequent visitor at Trent Park, and to all outward appearances
he and Alan were the best of friends; there was a rift in the lute
which they concealed.

Alan was popular in the county, his liberality was great, appeals to
him always met with a response. His fine commanding presence made him
noticeable, his military training had done him good, he was strong,
powerful, a good boxer, and no man could ride better. Despite his
height and strong frame, he could ride a reasonable weight on the flat,
and over fences, and he often mounted his horses and those of his
friends. Exercise kept his weight down; he walked miles at a stretch,
through the glorious forest, or over his estates.

He had known Evelyn Berkeley since she was in her teens, and when he
came home from Harrow, and she was at "The Forest" for her holidays,
they were often together; their love for the country was strong and
they explored every nook and corner of Sherwood Forest.

When Evelyn Berkeley was five and twenty it was reported, with some
semblance of authority, that William Chesney, the wealthy brewer, was
anxious to make her his wife, that he would willingly have done so but
she refused him. There was truth in this, but the whole facts were not
known. Evelyn Berkeley liked William Chesney but she was very fond of
Alan, and it seemed to her ridiculous that she should wed the father
when she admired the son, although Marcus Berkeley strongly urged her
to accept the brewer's offer.

"You'll be safe with him, Eve," said her father. "He's a good sort; he
idolizes you. Oh yes, I know you prefer Alan, that's perhaps natural,
but he's not sown his wild oats yet and you'll have a long time to wait
before you can get him to the post. You're young, marry William
Chesney, and before the bloom's off your cheeks you'll be the richest
and handsomest widow in the land."

Evelyn Berkeley was very sorry when William Chesney died. He proved a
better guide than her father, and her refusal of his offer made no
difference in his manner toward her.

Alan Chesney knew of his father's partiality for Evelyn Berkeley but
did not know he proposed to her, and the rumors of it had not reached
him. He admired Evelyn, but was not at all certain he loved her, and
so far had not co