e had heard a good deal about Mr. Gwynne's mine and was
anxious to see that if there were no objections. He wondered if he might
drive Mr. Gwynne--and indeed, he had a large car and would be glad to
fill it up with a party if any one cared to come. He looked at Mrs.
Gwynne as he spoke.

"Yes, Mother, you go. It is such a lovely day," said Nora
enthusiastically, "and Jane can go with you."

"Jane is going riding," said Larry firmly.

"I am going to Mrs. Waring-Gaunt's," said Jane. "I arranged with her
last night."

While they were settling Mrs. Gwynne's protests, and covered by the
noise of conversation, Mr. Wakeham managed to get close to Nora. "I want
you to come," he said in a low voice. "That's what I came for."

Startled and confused by this extraordinary announcement, Nora could
think of no answer.

"I think you were to show me the mine," he added. Then while Nora gasped
at him, he said aloud, "My car is a seven passenger, so we can take
quite a party."

"Why not Kathleen?" suggested Jane.

"Yes, indeed, Kathleen might like to go," said Mrs. Gwynne.

"Then let's all go," cried Nora.

"Thank you awfully," murmured Mr. Wakeham. "We shall only be two or
three hours at most," continued Nora. "We shall be back in time for
lunch."

"For that matter," said Mr. Gwynne, "we can lunch at the mine."

"Splendid," cried Nora. "Come along. We'll run up with you to the
Waring-Gaunts' for Kathleen," she added to Mr. Wakeham.

At the Waring-Gaunts' they had some difficulty persuading Kathleen to
join the party, but under the united influence of Jack and his sister,
she agreed to go.

"Now then," said Mrs. Waring-Gaunt, "you have your full party, Mr.
Wakeham--Mr. and Mrs. Gwynne, Dr. Brown, and the three girls."

"What about me?" said Larry dolefully.

"I shall stay with you," cried Nora, evading Mr. Wakeham's eyes.

"No, Nora," said Jane in a voice of quiet decision. "Last night Mrs.
Waring-Gaunt and I arranged that I should visit her to-day."

There was a loud chorus of protests, each one making an alternative
suggestion during which Jane went to Mrs. Waring-Gaunt's side and said
quietly, "I want to stay with you to-day."

"All right, dear," said Mrs. Waring-Gaunt. "Stay you shall." And, then
to the company announced, "We have it all arranged. Jane and I are to
have a visit together. The rest of you go off."

"And what about me, Jane?" again said Larry.

"You are going with the others," said Jane calmly,