rrying down to Sandyfield Street and listening to long
and heated arguments regarding a right-of-way reported to exist across
the meadows skirting the river just above the bridge, a right strongly
denied by the present occupier. Notwithstanding these improving and
public-spirited employments, the love-light grew in his eyes all
through the long morning, causing his appearance to have something, if
not actually angelic, yet singularly engaging, about it. For,
unquestionably, next to a fortunate attachment, an unfortunate one, if
honest, is among the most inspiring and grace-begetting of possessions
granted to mortals. Helen must never know--that was well understood.
Yet the more Dickie thought the whole affair over, the more he
recognised the fine romance of thus cherishing a silent and secret
devotion. He was very young in this line as yet, it may be observed.
Meanwhile it was nearly two o'clock. He would need to ride home sharply
if he was to be in time for luncheon. And at luncheon he would meet
her. And remembering that, his heart--traitorous heart--beat quick, and
his lips--traitorous lips--began to repeat her name. Thus do the gods
of life and death love to play chuck-farthing with the wise purposes of
men, the theory of the eternal laughter having a root of truth in it,
as it would seem, after all! And there ahead of him, under the
shifting, dappled shadow of the overarching firs, Dr. Knott's broad,
cumbersome back, and high, two-wheeled trap blocked the road, while
Timothy, the old groom,--stiff-kneed now and none too active,--slowly
pushed open the heavy, white gate of the inner park.

As Richard rode up, the doctor turned in his seat and looked at him
from under his rough eyebrows, while his loose lips worked into a
half-ironical smile. He loved this lad of great fortune, and great
misfortune, more tenderly than he quite cared to own. Then, as Dick
checked his horse beside the cart, he growled out:--

"No need to make anxious inquiries regarding your health, young sir.
What have you been doing with yourself, eh? You look as fit as a fiddle
and as fresh as paint."

"If I look as I feel I must look ravenously hungry," Richard answered,
flushing up a little. "I've been out since six."

"Had some breakfast?"

"Oh dear, yes! Enough to teach one to know what a jolly thing a good
meal is, and make one wish for another."

"Hum!" Dr. Knott said. "That's a healthy state of affairs, anyhow.
Young horses going well?