."

Simpkins rose to his feet with alacrity. He did not like being hunted
about the country by Meldon, and he had no intention of going back to
Donard; but he welcomed any prospect of escape from the horrible
situation in which he found himself.

"Won't you finish your tea?" said Miss King.

"He has finished it," said Meldon; "and he'd better not have any more
if he means to ride back to Donard. He's not in good training, and
another chunk of that rich cake of yours, Miss King, might upset him.
Good-bye, Simpkins."

"I'd like," said Simpkins, trying to assert himself, "to speak a word
to you, Mr. Meldon."

"So you shall," said Meldon, "but not now. The day after to-morrow you
shall say all you want to. Just at present I haven't time to listen to
you."

"Perhaps," said Simpkins, turning to Miss King, "I'd better say
good-bye."

He shook hands with her and Sir Gilbert, absolutely ignored Meldon and
Major Kent, and walked across the lawn. Meldon ran after him.

"I hope, Simpkins," he said, "that this will be a lesson to you. Owing
to your miserable procrastination, the Major has stepped in before you
and secured Miss King. You might just mention that to Doyle and
O'Donoghue as you pass the hotel. They'll be anxious to hear the news."

CHAPTER XXIV.

Major Kent and Meldon dined at Ballymoy House, and spent a very
pleasant evening. At eleven o'clock they started on their drive home.

"I'm sorry--" said the Major, and then paused.

"I hope not," said Meldon. "You ought not to be."

"I'm not," said the Major. "I merely meant that I'm afraid this rather
unexpected--"

"Go on," said Meldon. "I'd like to get at your exact feelings if I
can."

"Isn't this rather--rather an upset for you, J.J.?"

"For me?"

"Yes. On account of that plan of yours--Simpkins, you know. I was
afraid all the time you would feel disappointed."

"My plan," said Meldon, "is perfectly sound, and is working out
admirably."

"But you said that you meant--"

"You're making one of your usual mistakes, Major. You're confusing the
end I had in view with the means I adopted to bring it about. What I
originally undertook to do was to remove Simpkins from Ballymoy. In
that I have been entirely successful. He can't, simply can't, spend
another week in the place. I mentioned to Doyle this morning that
Simpkins intended to marry Miss King. Doyle evidently told several
other people, for half the town was out to cheer