except
himself, and naturally he came to grief. Those fellows always do."

"But he belongs to one or two good clubs," May protested.

"Oh, I know that. He was never actually found out. He was mixed up in
one or two very queer transactions, but contrived to keep clear of
trouble himself. There are scores of men who meet him on familiar terms,
but precious few ask him to their houses. Still, the girl is coming
here, and we must make the best of it. But I wouldn't ask her again if I
were you. You can easily drop the acquaintance after the next week or
so."

May discreetly refrained from discussing the matter further. There was a
strong vein of loyalty in her nature. She liked Alice Carden, and was
not disposed to visit any of the father's shortcomings on the daughter.
She had almost forgotten what Sir George said during her drive to the
station. It was a crisp day, and a frosty sun was shining. There was an
exhilaration in the air almost like champagne. Before the station was
reached May put her troubles behind her, not a very difficult matter for
a girl in her twentieth year who boasts of a fine constitution and a
perfect flow of animal spirits. Her cheeks were glowing, her eyes
sparkling, as she advanced to meet Alice Carden.

"I thought I would come for you myself," she said. "I brought a cart
which I am driving. Now if you will pick out your boxes we'll get a
porter to put them in the trap for you."

"My boxes," Alice laughed. "Behold my humble belongings. I have come
down here with one dress-basket which contains all the finery I have. I
hope you haven't many dinner parties and that kind of thing, for,
positively, I have only one evening dress, and I am afraid that that is
hopelessly out of date. Still, if you have any special functions, it
will be easy to plead a convenient headache."

May laughed as she took up the reins.

"Calm yourself," she said. "I assure you there will be nothing of that
sort. We have dropped out of gaieties. For one thing, most of our old
friends have left the neighbourhood, and my father doesn't care for new
people. We three will probably dine alone every night of your stay, and
we can ride and drive, and I can give you a day or two with the hounds
if you like."

Alice Carden protested sincerely that she wanted nothing better. It was
pleasant to find herself once more driving down the country roads behind
a good horse. It was like old times when she came to Haredale Park and
surveye