t condescending," said Ella.

Next day they went to Epsom. There was a party of ten, a merry lot;
there was no mistaking they were on pleasure bent and on good terms
with themselves.

Eve had a box. She always did things well, and took care when she went
racing she was comfortable and had plenty of elbow-room. Alan came
into the box after the first race; he was cordially greeted.

"I expect Miss Berkeley has told you Robin Hood is likely to win the
Epsom Plate," he said.

"Yes, we've got the straight tip," said one of the party.

"I can confirm it, you can put a bit extra on him, it's a real good
thing," he said with a laugh.

He stood close to Ella, his arm touched hers, she felt a thrill;
turning to him she said:

"What a strange place Epsom is! Such a crowd, and there's no comfort;
we're all right here, thanks to Eve, but over there it's horrible," and
she pointed to the hill.

"There will be twice as many people to-morrow," he said. "Perhaps
three or four times as many; Derby Day is one of the sights of the
world, it is never equalled anywhere."

"We can beat you at Flemington," she replied, "and Randwick. Not so
many people, but as for comfort, well, you simply don't know what it is
here. Where's the paddock?" she asked, looking round.

"Over there," said Alan, pointing in that direction. "Would you like
to go? There's more room to-day, it will be crowded to-morrow. It's
rather a good paddock, when you get to it, picturesque."

"I should like to see it very much."

"Then I'll take you there," he said, and turning to Eve asked:

"Are you going to the paddock?"

"It's hardly worth while. We'll go to-morrow and see the Derby
horses," she said.

"Miss Hallam wishes to see it. I'll just take her and bring her back
safely; we shan't be long. Come along," he said to Ella.

"You don't mind?" said Ella to Eve as they passed.

"Not at all; why should I?" was the sharp reply, and from her tone Ella
gathered she did mind, and felt mischievous.

"I'll take good care of her," said Alan.

"No doubt," said Eve quietly.

"What a trouble it is to get there!" said Ella as Alan led her through
the crowd.

"Yes, a bit bumpy, but they're a good-natured lot, although a trifle
rough."

There were not many people in the paddock. Alan pointed out The
Duddans and other points of interest.

"Come and see Robin Hood and tell me what you think of him," he said.

"Where is he?"

"Over there."

"S