g, and placing himself within the focus of general interest.

The bidding ceased instantly. Lord Newhaven shrugged his shoulders and
turned away. Fraeulein, still shaking with conflicting emotions, handed
the tea-cosey to Captain Pratt. He took it with an acid smile, secretly
disgusted at the sudden cessation of interest, for which he had paid
rather highly, and looked round for Lady Newhaven.

But she had disappeared.

"Fancy you and Algy bidding against each other like that," said Ada
Pratt, archly, to Lord Newhaven, for though Ada was haughty in general
society she could be sportive, and even friskily ingratiating, towards
those of her fellow-creatures whom she termed "swells." "Why, half
Middleshire will be saying that you have quarrelled next."

"Only those who do not know how intimate Captain Pratt and I really are
could think we have quarrelled," said Lord Newhaven, his eyes wandering
over the crowd. "But I am blocking your way and Mrs. Pratt's. How do you
do, Mrs. Pratt? Miss West, your burden is greater than you can bear. You
are dropping part of it. I don't know what it is, but I can shut my eyes
as I pick it up. I insist on carrying half back to the house. It will
give a pleasing impression that I have bought largely. Weren't you
pleased at the money we wrung out of Captain Pratt? He never thought we
should stop bidding. It's about all the family will contribute, unless
that good old Mamma Pratt buys something. She is the only one of the
family I can tolerate. Is Scarlett still here? I ought to have asked
after him before."

"He's here, but he's not well. He's in hiding in the smoking-room."

"He is lucky he is no worse. I should have had rheumatic fever if I had
been in his place. How cool it is in here after the glare outside. Must
you go out again? Well, I consider I have done my duty, and that I may
fairly allow myself a cigarette in peace."

* * * * *

"Really, Mr. Loftus, I'm quite shocked. This absurd faintness! The tent
was very crowded, and there is not much air to-day, is there? I shall be
all right if I may sit quietly in the hail a little. How deliciously
cool in here after the glare outside. A glass of water? Thanks. Yes,
only I hate to be so troublesome. And how are you after that dreadful
accident in the boat?"

"Oh! I am all right," said Doll, who by this time hated the subject. "It
was Scarlett who was nearly frozen like New Zealand lamb."

Doll had h