on took place before dinner when they were alone for a
few minutes.

"I thought American women 'licked creation,'" said Alan, imitating him.

"Now there you have me. As a rule they do, but Miss Berkeley--she's
superb," said Braund enthusiastically.

The dinner was a success; they were lively. Braund devoted himself to
Eve, and Alan was occupied with Ella.

"I've bought Mr. Chesney's horse Mameluke," said Braund. "I gave him
thirty thousand for him and I don't consider him dear. What do you
think of the horse?"

"He's one of the best we have, and I am surprised Mr. Chesney has
parted with him," said Eve.

"So am I, but then money is money and it was cash down," said Braund.

"Mr. Chesney has plenty of money--I wonder why he sold him?" said Eve.

"You don't think there's anything wrong with the horse?" asked Braund
sharply.

"Oh no," laughed Eve; "don't be alarmed. Mr. Chesney would not have
sold him to you had such been the case."

"No, I suppose not; but I've known men who would," said Braund.

"In America?" asked Eve, with a merry twinkle in her eyes.

"Yes; there's some pretty cute hands at a bargain in my country."

"But it would be dishonest," protested Eve.

"We don't call it that," said Braund.

"Then what do you call it?" she asked.

"It would be regarded as a cute bit of business. A man is supposed to
look after his interests; if another man gets the better of him, it's
all in the game. We admire the man who gets the better of another
man," said Braund.

Eve laughed as she said:

"I am afraid that is not my way of looking at things."

"No, of course not; how could it be?" said Braund quickly.

Eve was amused at him. He had an unending flow of conversation, his
remarks were original, he expressed opinions freely in a way she was
not accustomed to hear. On the whole he created, if not an altogether
favorable impression, at least a curiosity to know more of him.

It was a pleasant evening, and as they motored back to Trent Park the
American expressed his entire approval of the visit.

"Two very sensible women," he said; "also very charming. You're lucky
to live here; I suppose you see a good deal of them?"

Alan said he did, and changed the subject. He was not inclined to
discuss Eve Berkeley with him.

"We'll go through the village," said Alan. "It won't be dark for a
long time, in fact it's light almost all night now."

He drove slowly through Little Trent. Abel Head wa