our trouble with
your father except myself and, I presume, Miss Carden. You are supposed
to be on a visit to London for a few days. It is lucky you have no maid
to make mischief. I must return to Haredale this evening. Let me tell
your father that I have explained everything to you, that you are coming
back on Monday or Tuesday, and that Miss Carden will accompany you. I
know Sir George will be glad to see you. He told me he could not
understand how he spoke to you as he did. And, you see, as there is no
one to follow your father, as the title will die out with him, Haredale
Park will be your own some day. I know you love the place."

"I couldn't tell you how much," May said unsteadily. "It is only during
the last few days that I have realized the depth of my affection. I will
come back. You may tell father I said so. I will return on Monday as
early as possible and I hope you will be there to meet me. I thought I
was going to be brave and strong and earn my own living; I thought that
wanted no more than the pluck one has to exhibit in the hunting-field.
But it is quite different. It must be a matter of custom and
surroundings. It is all very well to run up to London to spend a few
days with friends, but when you are alone, as I have been, the very size
of the place frightens one. You don't know how glad I shall be to be
home again. Why, twenty-four hours after I came here I began to cast
about for reasons and excuses for going back."

An hour later Fielden left, at peace with all mankind and inclined to
take a roseate view of the future. Everything depended on the Blenheim
colt. The path was clear and those chiefly concerned were going to have
a straight run for their money. The poisonous influence of Copley would
be removed. There would be peace and happiness at Haredale Park once
more and, above all, May was coming home.

Fielden flung himself down in the corner of his carriage and proceeded
to open a late edition of an evening paper. He read the racing news of
interest, then turned to the news items on the fifth page. Two headlines
caught his attention at once and held him fascinated. They were
sensational enough even to the ordinary person, but to Fielden they were
pregnant with meaning.

"ALLEGED GREAT TURF FRAUDS.

"ARREST OF MR. COPLEY AND MR. FOSTER.

"Late this afternoon, the well-known financier, Mr. Raymond
Copley, and his private secretary, Mr. Foster, were arrested in
London on a