ly.

"I can't imagine you bald, nor old either, and I expect to see you many
times over before you have the chance of changing. The Chosen, whoever
he or she may be, must surely have the good manners to invite the rest
of us to visit a house which might have been our own; and I have a
special claim, for by retiring from the lists I increase your chances.
Personally, I have made up my mind to spend many holidays here--shooting
and riding, and enjoying myself generally. I hope you won't object, if
you happen to be the chatelaine?"

"Ah, but I shan't! I have no chance against the other two; but I also
intend to spend my holidays here, and I tell Ruth she must send home
hampers every week. It has always been my ambition to get hampers, and
she could send such splendid ones from the Court--game and poultry and
eggs, and nice out-of-season fruits and vegetables, which would be such
a help in the housekeeping! I am afraid sometimes that we count too
much on Uncle Bernard's fancy for Ruth's eyebrows, for if he changed his
mind and left everything to Mr Druce, it would be a terrible
disappointment. And there are three months before us still. He may
change a dozen times yet."

"I think most probably he will. Better stick to your resolution, to
have a good time, and not bother your head about the future. I shall be
most anxious to know how things go. Druce has promised to send me a
line now and then. Will you jog his memory in case he forgets?"

Mollie promised, all the more readily that Victor's letter would
naturally bring a return, which would serve to bridge over the
separation. It seems curious to remember that little over a week ago
she had not known of Jack Melland's existence. He had made but a brief
appearance upon the scene, but it would not be easy to forget him, or to
fill the vacant place.

Both riders relapsed into silence as they neared home; but, as they
clattered into the stable-yard, Jack turned towards Mollie with rather a
forced air of triumph, and cried--

"Do you remember your warning, Miss Mollie, that Fate was stronger than
will? Ever since we set out this morning the words have been ringing in
my ears, and I have been expecting some accident to happen which would
keep me here in spite of myself. I have looked for it at every turn of
the road as if it were bound to come."

Mollie shivered nervously.

"Oh, how horrid! I am glad you did not tell me. I should have been
nervous, too,