she was essentially a woman
of the world. Little as Malcolm guessed it at that time, she was
Elizabeth Templeton's greatest friend; indeed, both the sisters were
devoted to her, and some of Elizabeth's happiest and gayest hours had
been spent in the Manor House.

"I certainly never hoped to find you alone," were Malcolm's first
words. Mrs. Godfrey smiled.

"It is almost an unprecedented fact in the Manor House annals," she
returned gaily; "but we shall be absolutely alone until Tuesday, and
then every room will be filled. If you had consented to stay for a
week, I could have promised you a big affair on a steam-launch, a
picnic, and a tennis tournament; but now our solitary function will be
a garden-party on Monday."

"Please do not speak in such an apologetic tone," replied Malcolm. "If
you knew how my soul abhors picnics and water-parties! It is really too
delightful to know that I may enjoy your society in peace for three
whole days. By the bye, where is the Colonel?"

"Oh, Alick has gone to Henley to see an old chum of his, but he will be
back in good time for dinner. Is it not lovely down here, Mr. Herrick?
I thought it would be such a pity to go indoors that I told Deacon that
we would have tea here." Then, as Malcolm signified his approval of
this arrangement, they sauntered slowly down the terrace, that Malcolm
might take in all points of the extensive view. When they retraced
their steps to the loggia, the butler and footman were setting out a
rustic tea-table.

"And so you have been staying at the Wood House?" began Mrs. Godfrey as
she handed Malcolm his tea. "Elizabeth Templeton's letter this morning
almost took my breath away. What a small world it is after all, Mr.
Herrick!"

"Life treads on life," murmured Malcolm, "and heart on heart;"

"We press too close in church or mart
To keep a dream or grave apart."

"How true!" was the quiet rejoinder. "Mrs. Browning said that. Well, do
you know, I was quite childishly surprised when I heard you had been a
guest at the Wood House. 'Mr. Herrick has only just left us,' were
Elizabeth's words; 'Cedric is driving him to the station; we have
greatly enjoyed his visit,' etcetera, etcetera."

Then a slight flush came to Malcolm's dark face.

"I had a very pleasant time," he returned; "they were most kind and
hospitable. Miss Templeton is one of the most charming women I have
ever met."

"Dear Dinah--yes, she is very sweet. I do not think I have ev