nery England stands unsurpassed in the
kingdoms of the world, and a stranger to our isle could not have had a
better introduction to its beauties than the drive through that southern
county. Long avenues of beeches gave entrance to the most picturesque
of villages, with the traditional duck-pond and green; thatched cottages
showed a blaze of flowers in their trim gardens; the smooth white road
curved through the heart of a great forest, dived through the
precipitous High Street of a quaint old town, and climbed steeply to a
breezy down. Everywhere there was a wealth of greenery, a universal air
of prosperity, of order, of well-being, good to behold on this brilliant
summer morning.

Within a few miles of Barfield Castle, however, all peacefulness
vanished from the scene. The converging roads were filled with an
unending stream of vehicles, and the dust rose in clouds above the
hedgerows. The women wrapped themselves closely in dust cloaks and
motor-veils, the pace slackened to a crawl, and at frequent intervals
ceased altogether as the congested lines merged together near the castle
gates. When once that point had been passed, progress was sure though
slow, and the dust of the high roads was replaced by refreshing shade
from the great avenue of trees. The wrappings were thrown aside, to
display the brave toilettes of men and women; and the pedestrians who,
having travelled by train, had been disappointed of finding conveyances
at the station, gazed enviously, curiously, at the occupants of the
various carriages and cars, and were in their turn as mercilessly
scrutinised.

"Everybody is dying to know who everybody else is!" whispered Grizel
gleefully. "Buck up, Katrine, and look haughty. You may be mistaken
for a Duchess, or a variety actress,--you never know your luck! When we
pass the next group, watch me heave, to show off the effect of my massed
gems!"

The "massed gems" consisted of a diamond brooch and a small heart-shaped
pendant to match, which nestled together in the folds of chiffon at
Grizel's breast. It was a charming and ludicrous sight to behold her
inflate her slight form at the prescribed moment, but sure enough, the
stones flashed in response, catching a passing sunbeam and blazing with
a brilliance altogether out of proportion to their size.

"There!" cried Grizel triumphantly, achieving a double chin in her
effort to admire her own splendour. "Never say again that I don't do
you credit!