grets Miss Ruth's fright more than I do, sir. She had been
such an apt pupil that I did not imagine that there was any danger in
trying a little canter on her own account. Bates disapproved of it, but
I am afraid I sided against him. I can only promise to be more careful
in future."

"It was no one's fault but my own, Uncle Bernard," interrupted Ruth
eagerly. "I was conceited and thought I could do anything I liked, and
I have learnt a lesson--that's all! I was frightened, but I hung on so
tightly to the pommel that I don't think there was any real danger of
falling. I really will be careful not to run any more risks."

"I trust you will. I feel responsible for your safety while you are
under my roof, and it will be a severe strain on my nerves if I cannot
rely on your discretion. Are you feeling any ill effects from your
fright? Can Mrs Wolff help you in any way, or perhaps the doctor--"

Ruth gave an involuntary exclamation of surprise and protest, and the
colour rushed into her cheeks. It was so surprising, so extraordinary
that Uncle Bernard should betray such concern for her safety and
actually suggest sending for a doctor on her behalf. Her heart beat
high with the conviction that she was, indeed, his favourite, his
Chosen, and that therefore her safety was all-important for the success
of his scheme.

She turned her grey eyes upon him with a liquid glance of gratitude, as
she faltered out words of acknowledgment.

"Oh no, indeed, it is quite unnecessary! Thank you so much all the
same. I am vexed with myself for having upset you by being so
headstrong, and didn't hurt myself a bit."

"That is well, then!" Mr Farrell rose from the table and turned slowly
towards the door. As he did so he found himself suddenly confronted by
another face--a bright-eyed, mutinous girl's face, so transparently
charged with speech that he stopped short, uttering an involuntary
inquiry--

"Well! what is it? What have _you_ got to say?"

Mollie's lips parted, her head tilted to the side.

"_I_ was in danger, too! much more than she was. I _did_ tumble off! I
hung on to the branch of a tree. I might have been injured most
dreadfully."

"Ah-ah!" said Mr Farrell slowly. He turned his head aside, and his
lips twitched uncertainly. "You! But you, my dear Mary, can take such
uncommonly good care of yourself!"

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

MOLLIE DEFENDS HER UNCLE.

Mr Farrell walked to the door, and shut it be