ride, and, from what I hear, your horsemanship has
improved so rapidly that you could easily manage them. Bates will be
happy to give you any directions you may require; or, still better, to
accompany you as guide."

These remarks were so markedly addressed to Jack, that no one but
himself could venture to reply, and his self-will was so much ruffled by
the deliberate ignoring of his expressed determination that he was
instantly aflame with wrath. His nostrils curved, his brows arched, his
lips opened to pronounce a sharp disclaimer, when suddenly he caught
sight of Mollie's face gazing at him across the table; and if ever a
face cried "Don't!" with all the eloquence of pleading eyes and parted
lips, Mollie's said it at that moment. The message was so unmistakable
and ardent that it demanded obedience, and to his own surprise Jack
found himself murmuring conventional words of thanks, instead of the
heated disclaimer which he had intended.

Later on in the evening he followed Mollie into a corner of the drawing-
room to demand a reason for her unspoken interference.

"It was not honest to seem to agree when I have no intention of being
here for a single afternoon. Why wouldn't you let me speak?" he
demanded; whereupon Mollie pursed her lips, and said thoughtfully--

"I hardly know. You were going to be cross, and it is Sunday--our first
Sunday here. I didn't want it to be spoilt by angry words. If you must
disappoint the old man, do it gently. Don't answer back, even if he is
annoying. You will be glad afterwards--when he is dead, and you have
nothing to regret."

Jack looked down at her in silence. Was this the pert school-girl, whom
he had just deemed unworthy of serious consideration? The face into
which he looked seemed of a sudden that of a woman rather than that of a
child--soft and sweet, grave-eyed, with lovely, serious lips. The very
voice was altered, and had an added richness of tone. It was like
catching a glimpse into the future, and beholding the woman that was to
be, when girlhood's bright span was over. Instinctively Jack's manner
altered to meet the change. The supercilious curve left his lip, his
keen eyes softened.

"Thank you, Miss Mollie," he said gravely. "You are quite right. I'll
remember!"

She thanked him with a luminous glance, and turned away; but he wanted
to see her again, to hear her speak once more in that beautiful new
voice. Before she had taken three steps he