have been perfect for trout to-day. Here's his note:--

"DEAR COLONEL MEREDITH--I am grieved to say that some unexpected
circumstances necessitate my leaving your hospitable roof and returning
home to Cardiganshire at once. I shall walk to the station and catch
the 7.30 train. Please tender my heart-felt thanks to Mrs. Meredith,
and all the other members of your family for their kindness and
hospitality. I hope to call upon them at another time, and express my
regrets and thanks in person.

"With many thanks to you also,

"I remain,

"Yours truly,

"CARADOC WYNNE."

Colonel Meredith was reading the last words as Valmai entered and took
her place at the breakfast table.

"Isn't it a shame, Beauty," said Gwen. "Just as I was beginning to
make a favourable impression upon him, too! There must have been
something in the letter Bob took up to him this morning."

"Oh, of course," said her father; "fine young fellow--very!"

"Awfully handsome, I call him," said Winifred; "such a sparkle in his
eyes!"

"Beauty wasn't smitten," said Gwen.

"On the contrary, she was so smitten she fainted," said Winnie; "you
are still rather pale, dear. Papa, wouldn't it be a jolly day for a
picnic by the Ithon?"

"Yes," said the Colonel; "bring your lunch down in the brake, and we'll
light a fire by the carn, and broil the fish, for I am sure we shall
get a basketful to-day--eh! eh! Cecil?"

"Yes--and the drive will do Miss Powell good," said the lad, who was in
good spirits from having so easily got rid of Cardo.

And after breakfast they all drove off to the picnic, and Cardo's
arrival and his departure were forgotten by all save one.

CHAPTER XX.

GWLADYS.

The week that followed Gwynne Ellis's induction to his new living had
been too full of business to allow him to call upon his near
neighbours, the most influential member of his congregation, Mrs.
Besborough Power of Carne Hall; but soon afterwards he began to look
around him and make acquaintance with his parishioners.

The Vicarage was large and his ideas of furnishing were limited, so
that after arranging and rearranging every room in the house he still
looked at them with a dissatisfied air.

"I don't know how it is, father; in spite of all this handsome
furniture you have given me, there seems something wanting, doesn't
there?"

"Don't see it," said the old man, "unless it is that wonderful piece of
furniture--a wife--you want."