rmured. "_Trent_! . . . And eyes with patches of
blue in them! . . . Heavens! Can it possibly be? _Can_ it be?"

There was a curious quality in her voice, a blending of incredulity and
distaste, and yet something that savoured of satisfaction--almost of
triumph.

Across her mental vision flitted a memory of just such eyes--gay,
laughing, love-lit eyes, out of which the laughter had been suddenly
dashed.

CHAPTER XXV

THE CUT DIRECT

It was a merry party which had gathered together in the shady heart
of Haven Woods. The Selwyns, Sara and Elisabeth, Miles Herrick and the
Lavender Lady were all there, and, in addition, there was a large and
light-hearted contingent from Greenacres, where Audrey was entertaining
a houseful of friends. Only Garth had not yet arrived.

Two young subalterns on leave and a couple of pretty American sisters,
all of them staying at Greenacres, were making things hum, nobly
seconded in their efforts by Miles Herrick, who had practically
recovered from his sprained ankle and one of whose "good days" it
chanced to be.

Every one seemed bubbling over with good-humour and high spirits, so
that the dell re-echoed to the shouts of jolly laughter, while the
birds, flitting nervously hither and thither, wondered what manner of
creatures these were who had invaded their quiet sanctuary of the woods.
And presently, when the whole party gathered round the white cloth,
spread with every dainty that the inspired mind of Audrey's chef had
been able to devise, and the popping corks began to punctuate the babble
of chattering voices, they took wing and fled incontinently. They had
heard similar sharp, explosive sounds before, and had noted them as
being generally the harbingers of sudden death.

"Where's that wretched hermit of yours, Sara?" demanded Audrey gaily.
"I told him we should lunch at one, and it's already a quarter-past.
Ah!"--catching sight of a lean, supple figure advancing between the
trees--"Here he is at last!"

A shout greeted Garth's approach, and the uproarious quartette composed
of the two subalterns and the girls from New York City pounded joyously
with their forks upon their plates, creating a perfect pandemonium of
noise, Miles recklessly participating in the clamorous welcome, while
the Lavender Lady fluttered her handkerchief, and Sara and Audrey both
hurried forward to meet the late comer. In the general excitement nobody
chanced to observe the effect which Trent's appear