an back both horses,
but it would be much more satisfactory to have all our money on the
winner. Can't you take a sleeping-draught, or something?"

"Oakleaves, soaked in warm water and put under the bed, are recommended
by some," said Mrs. de Claux.

"A glass of Benedictine, with a drop of eau-de-Cologne--" said Sir
Lulworth.

"I have tried every known remedy," said Lola, with dignity; "I've been a
martyr to insomnia for years."

"But now we are being martyrs to it," said Odo sulkily; "I particularly
want to land a big coup over this race."

"I don't have insomnia for my own amusement," snapped Lola.

"Let us hope for the best," said Mrs. de Claux soothingly; "to-night may
prove an exception to the fifth-night rule."

But when breakfast time came round again Lola reported a blank night as
far as visions were concerned.

"I don't suppose I had as much as ten minutes' sleep, and, certainly, no
dreams."

"I'm so sorry, for your sake in the first place, and ours as well," said
her hostess; "do you think you could induce a short nap after breakfast?
It would be so good for you--and you _might_ dream something. There
would still be time for us to get our bets on."

"I'll try if you like," said Lola; "it sounds rather like a small child
being sent to bed in disgrace."

"I'll come and read the _Encyclopaedia Britannica_ to you if you think it
will make you sleep any sooner," said Bertie obligingly.

Rain was falling too steadily to permit of outdoor amusement, and the
party suffered considerably during the next two hours from the absolute
quiet that was enforced all over the house in order to give Lola every
chance of achieving slumber. Even the click of billiard balls was
considered a possible factor of disturbance, and the canaries were
carried down to the gardener's lodge, while the cuckoo clock in the hall
was muffled under several layers of rugs. A notice, "Please do not Knock
or Ring," was posted on the front door at Bertie's suggestion, and guests
and servants spoke in tragic whispers as though the dread presence of
death or sickness had invaded the house. The precautions proved of no
avail: Lola added a sleepless morning to a wakeful night, and the bets of
the party had to be impartially divided between Nursery Tea and the
French Colt.

"So provoking to have to split out bets," said Mrs. de Claux, as her
guests gathered in the hall later in the day, waiting for the result of
the race.

"I did my