bitious of being up to date as anywhere else. Taking it altogether
they were having a good time of it, as was bound to be the case in a
locality where man was largely in preponderance, and where, in
consequence, there were not enough women to go round, as we heard Clare
Vidal remark.

She herself was looking altogether winsome and delightful, as she
flashed forth jest and repartee among the group surrounding her, for she
was holding quite a little court. Men--among them fine gallant-looking
fellows who had served with some distinction in the former war--seemed
to hang upon her words, or was it her tones, her smiles?--laying up for
themselves, perchance, store of future heartache. Her brother-in-law,
who was one of the stewards, declared she was causing a positive
obstruction. A hoot of good-humoured derision arose from the group.

"Oh, go away, Fullerton, you jolly old policeman," cried one man.

"Send him off, Mrs Fullerton, do," said another.

But before Lucy had time to reply, two bronzed giants had seized the
offender one by each arm, and gently but firmly marched him across the
course to where an impromptu bar under a canvas awning was doing a
roaring trade.

"That's better for you, old man," said one, as three glasses were set
down empty.

"And unless you give us your word not to bother Miss Vidal any more
we'll keep you here all day," said the other.

"Oh, I'll give you my word for anything you like," laughed Fullerton.
"We'll have another round, and then I must get back."

It must be conceded that the racing was poor, but then, so for the most
part were the horses, thanks to the protracted drought and the necessity
of their training consisting of the process of earning their keep. But
the day was lovely--cloudless and golden--and the heat rose in a shimmer
from the mimosa-dotted veldt and the dark, bushy slope of Ehlatini
lining up to the vivid depths of heaven's blue. A sort of impromptu
grand stand had been effected by placing chairs and benches along a
couple of empty waggons, and at the corner of one of these Clare sat--
still holding her court--while her fervid worshippers talked up to her
from the ground. The luncheon hour was over--so, too, were the races,
but the afternoon would be devoted to tent-pegging and other sports.

"Hallo!" said one of the favoured group. "Blest if that isn't Lamont
over there, and--he's got his coat on."

"Where else should he have it, Mr Wyndham?" said the g