n the young man since her childhood, waited calmly
as he turned his horse's head towards the river, and advanced across the
grass, raising his hat. "Good morning, Miss Fullerton."

"Good morning," Hadria returned, from her rock.

"You seem to be having rather an agreeable time of it."

"Very. Are you fond of dancing?"

Mr. Wilkins was noted, far and wide, for his dancing, and the question
was wounding.

He was tall and loosely built, with brown expressionless eyes, dark
hair, a pink complexion, shelving forehead, and a weak yet obstinate
mouth. His companion also was tall and dark, but his face was pale, his
forehead broad and high, and a black moustache covered his upper lip. He
had raised his hat gracefully on finding that the dancer in mid-stream
was an acquaintance of his companion, and he shewed great
self-possession in appearing to regard the dancing of reels in these
circumstances, as an incident that might naturally be expected. Not a
sign of surprise betrayed itself in the face, not even a glimmer of
curiosity. Hadria was so tickled by this finished behaviour under
difficulties, that she took her cue from it, and decided to treat the
matter in the same polished spirit. She too would take it all decorously
for granted.

Mr. Wilkins introduced his friend: Mr. Hubert Temperley. Hadria bowed
gracefully in reply to Mr. Temperley's salute.

"Don't you feel a little cramped out there?" asked Mr. Wilkins.

"Dear me, no," cried Hadria in mock surprise. "What could induce you to
suppose I would come out here if I felt cramped?"

"Are you--are you thinking of coming on shore? Can I help you?"

"Thank you," replied Hadria. "This is a merely temporary resting-place.
We ought to be getting on; we have some miles yet to drive," and she
hurried her friend away. They were conducted to the pony-cart by the
cavaliers, who raised their hats, as the ladies drove off at a merry
pace, bowing their farewells.

"The eternal riddle!" Temperley exclaimed, as they turned the corner of
the road.

"What is the eternal riddle?" Harold Wilkins enquired.

"Woman, woman!" Temperley replied, a little impatiently. He had not
found young Wilkins quick to catch his meaning during the two hours'
ride, and it occurred to him that Miss Fullerton would have been a more
interesting companion.

He made a good many enquiries about her and her family, on the way back
to Drumgarren.

"We are invited to tennis at their house, for next Tues