ty. "Tell me, did you
notice anything between them?"

"Between whom?" replied Cottrell languidly, and with an expression of
such utter ignorance of her meaning in his face as did infinite credit
to his histrionic powers.

"Between her and Mr. Beauchamp, of course," said Lady Mary sharply.

"Beauchamp wasn't there," replied Cottrell. "I never saw him till I
met him in this house."

"And what do you think about it now?"

"Two things," replied Cottrell, smiling, "both of which are calculated
to give you comfort. First, people brought up together don't often
fall in love; seeing too much of each other is probably an excellent
antidote to that complaint. Secondly, that he seems very much devoted
to Miss Bloxam at present."

"Well, I hope you are right," said Lady Mary. "It would really be a
very nice thing for Blanche. At all events, we are out of the
Chipchase girls for to-day." And, so saying, she rose somewhat
comforted, little aware, poor woman, that another ringer was meddling
with the ropes.

But now the party began to muster in the front hall. Lady Mary
observed with maternal complacency that Blanche was looking her best
and brightest in one of Creed's masterpieces. Jim was fidgeting about,
all impatience, and, throwing open the dining-room door, called out,

"You really have time for no more breakfast, Cottrell, if you are
coming with us. You must put off further satisfying of your hunger
until we arrive at 'The Sweet Waters' at Trotbury. The horses will be
round directly. Ah, here they are!"

And as he spoke, the sound of hoofs was heard on the gravel outside,
speedily followed by a peal on the bell; and Mr. Cottrell emerged from
the dining-room just in time to see Jim open the hall door to Laura
Chipchase, attired in hat and habit, with Miss Sylla mounted and
holding her cousin's horse in the background.

Mr. Cottrell contemplated the tableau with all the exultation of a
successful artist; and as for Lady Mary, her heart sank within her as
the conviction crossed her mind she was destined never to be quit of
that "Suffolk girl."

"Admirable, Laura!" exclaimed Jim, as he shook hands. "What happy
chance inspired you to turn up all ready for riding? We are just off
to lunch at Trotbury, and of course you and Miss Sylla will join us."

"That will be charming," replied Miss Chipchase. "Sylla was wild for a
ride this morning; so she and I came over to see if any of you are in
the same mood;"