so," he replied.

"Mr. Chesney hopes to win three races at Epsom this week," said Eve.
She spoke sharply, she thought they were having the conversation to
themselves. It was evident they would soon be on a very friendly
footing if sufficient opportunity offered.

"I'd love to see your horses win--and back them," said Ella, still
speaking to Alan.

Eve looked at Alan, something in her expression warned him she was not
in the best of tempers--why?

He spoke to her, answering Ella's remark.

"I am glad your friend will be pleased to see my horses victorious," he
said.

"It would be strange if she were not, especially as she says she will
back them--eh, Ella?" said Eve.

"And you? You will back them?" she asked.

"Of course; he has just given me the tips, that is what he called
about," said Eve.

"And also to see you," thought Ella.

"What do you think of Mr. Chesney?" asked Eve when Alan left.

"He's a very good-looking man and I should think extremely agreeable
and excellent company. Is he an old friend?" said Ella.

"We have known each other since we were children."

"My goodness, how jolly! And I suppose you are quite chums still,"
exclaimed Ella.

Eve laughed as she replied:

"We are staunch friends. His estate joins my little place where you
are coming to stay with me," said Eve.

"I shall have opportunities of meeting him," thought Ella. "You must
see him often?" she said aloud.

"Oh, yes; sometimes two or three times a week. He calls when he likes
and I am always at home to him."

"It must be ripping to have a man friend like that; no silly sentiment,
no love business about it; but he would be blind if he did not admire
you, Eve," she said.

Eve laughed. She wondered what Ella would think if she knew how she
loved Alan, loved him desperately.

"I don't think love has ever entered into his calculations in
connection with me," she said.

"But he must admire you, he couldn't help it," said Ella heartily.

"I daresay he does. He has an eye for beauty in women and horses."

"Couples them together, does he," said Ella; "and probably prefers the
four-legged creatures."

"He looked you over pretty well," said Eve.

She blushed slightly as she replied:

"I didn't notice it. Do you think he was satisfied with the scrutiny?"

"It's hard to tell when he's pleased, he takes everything as it comes,
but I think he has decided in your favor."

"Do you? That's rather good of him, mos