e rising and falling oars--the white
bodies of the rowers strained back and forth. But it was soon over, and
only the cheering for the victorious crews remained; and the
ices--served to the visitors!--of which Roger was not slow to remind
his hostess.

The barges emptied, and the crowd poured out again into the meadows.
Just outside the Christ Church barge, Constance with Nora beside her,
and escorted by Sorell and Lord Meyrick, lifted a pair of eyes to a tall
fellow in immaculate flannels and a Harrow cap. She had been aware of
his neighbourhood, and he of hers, long before it was possible to speak.
Falloden introduced his mother. Then he resolutely took possession of
Constance.

"I hope you approve what I have been doing about the mare?"

"I am of course most grateful. When am I to try her?"

"I shall take her out to-morrow afternoon. Then I'll report."

"It is extremely kind of you." The tone was strictly conventional.

He said nothing; and after a minute she could not help looking up. She
met an expression which showed a wounded gentleman beside her.

"I hope you saw the races well?" he said coldly.

"Excellently. And Mr. Sorell explained everything."

"You knew him before?"

"But of course!" she said, laughing. "I have known him for years."

"You never mentioned him--at Cannes."

"One does not always catalogue one's acquaintance, does one?"

"He seems to be more than an acquaintance."

"Oh, yes. He is a great friend. Mamma was so fond of him. He went with
us to Sicily once. And Uncle Ewen likes him immensely."

"He is of course a paragon," said Falloden.

Constance glanced mockingly at her companion.

"I don't see why he should be called anything so disagreeable. All we
knew of him was--that he was delightful! So learned--and simple--and
modest--the dearest person to travel with! When he left us at Palermo,
the whole party seemed to go flat."

"You pile it on!"

"Not at all. You asked me if he were more than an acquaintance. I am
giving you the facts."

"I don't enjoy them!" said Falloden abruptly.

She burst into her soft laugh.

"I'm so sorry. But I really can't alter them. Where has my party gone
to?"

She looked ahead, and saw that by a little judicious holding back
Falloden had dexterously isolated her both from his own group and hers.
Mrs. Manson and Lady Laura were far ahead in the wide, moving crowd that
filled the new-made walk across the Christ Church meadow; so were the
Hoop