surprise.

Sylvia turned towards her. "May I introduce Mr. Preston--the
M.F.H.?" Her tone was cold. If the newcomer's advent had been a
welcome diversion it obviously gave her no pleasure.

Preston, however, plainly did not stand in need of any
encouragement. He strode up to Mrs. Ingleton, confronting her with
aggressive self-assurance, "Delighted to meet you, madam. You are
Sylvia's step-mother, I presume? I hope we shall be more nearly
connected before long. Anyone belongin' to Sylvia has my highest
esteem. She has the straightest seat on a horse of any woman I
know. Ingleton and I between us taught her all she knows about
huntin', and she does us credit, by gad!"

He winked at Mrs. Ingleton as he ended, and Sylvia bit her lip.
Mrs. Ingleton, however, held out her hand.

"Pray sit down, Mr. Preston! You are most welcome. Sylvia, my
dear, will you find the cigarettes?"

Sylvia took a box from the table and handed it to him. He took it
from her, openly pinching her fingers as he did so, and offered it
to her instead.

"After you, Cherry-ripe! You're lookin' spiffin' to-night, hey,
Mrs. Ingleton? What do you think of your new daughter?"

Mrs. Ingleton was smiling. "I am only wondering what all you young
men can be about," she said. "I should have thought one of you
would have captured her long ago."

Sylvia turned round, disgust in every line, and walked to the
window. "I will find Dad," she said.

Preston looked after her, standing with legs wide apart on the
hearth-rug. "It's none of my fault, I assure you," he said. "I've
been tryin' to rope her for the last two years. But she's so damn'
shy. Can't get near her, by George."

"Really?" smiled Mrs. Ingleton. "Perhaps you have not gone quite
the right way to work. I think I shall have to take a hand in the
game and see what I can do."

Preston bowed with his hand on his heart, "I always like to get the
fair sex on my side whenever possible. If you can put the halter
on her, you've only to name your price, madam, and it's yours."

"Dear me!" said Mrs. Ingleton. "You're very generous."

"I can afford to be," declared Preston. "She's a decent bit of
goods--the only one I've ever wanted and couldn't get. If you can
get the whip-hand of her and drive her my way--well, it'll be
pretty good business for all concerned. You like diamonds, hey,
madam?"

"Very much," laughed Mrs. Ingleton coquettishly. "But you mustn't
make my husban