ld? Yes--two lads. But there was not evidence enough to
convict. They were both released, and the village gave them an ovation."

Bobbie hesitated.

"What do you think was the truth about that article?"

Sir James frowned and rose.

"Miss Wilson, come and see my garden. If you don't fall down and worship
the peaches on my south wall, I shall not pursue your acquaintance."

It was a Saturday afternoon. Briefs were forgotten. The three strolled
down the garden. Sir James, in a disreputable shooting-coat and cap, his
hands deep in his pockets, took the middle of the path--the two lovers
on either side. Chide made himself delightful to them. On that Italian
journey of which he constantly thought, Ferrier had been amused and
cheered all through by Bobbie's nonsense; and the young fellow had
loyally felt his death--and shown it. Chide's friendly eye would be on
him and his Ettie henceforward.

* * * * *

Five or ten minutes afterward, a brougham drove up to the door of
Lytchett, and a small lady emerged. She had rung the bell, and was
waiting on the steps, when a pony-carriage also turned into the Lytchett
avenue and drew near rapidly.

A girl in a shady hat was driving it.

"The very creature!" cried Lady Niton, under her breath, smartly tapping
her tiny boot with the black cane she carried, and referring apparently
to some train of meditation in which she had been just engaged. She
waved to her own coachman to be off, and stood awaiting Diana.

[Illustration: "SIR JAMES MADE HIMSELF DELIGHTFUL TO THEM"]

"How do you do, Miss Mallory? Are you invited? I'm not."

Diana descended, and they shook hands. They had not met since the
evening at Tallyn when Diana, in her fresh beauty, had been the gleaming
princess, and Lady Niton the friendly godmother, of so promising a fairy
tale. The old woman looked at her curiously, as they stood in the
drawing-room together, while the footman went off to find Sir James.
Frail--dark lines under the eyes--a look as of long endurance--a smile
that was a mere shield and concealment for the heart beneath--alack!

And there was no comfort to be got out of calling down fire from heaven
on the author of this change, since it had fallen so abundantly already!

"Sit down; you look tired," said the old lady, in her piping, peremptory
voice. "Have you been here all the summer?"

"Yes--since June."

"Through the election?"

"Yes." Diana turned her face aw