of the
servants will be able to find her for you."

"I hope so, but first what can I do for you? Shall I untie this noose
and set you free?"

"Thank you; I should be much obliged. Then, perhaps, you would kindly
ask the butler to send someone to bring me in. I shall hope to see you
later on."

Lady Margot rustled to the back of the chair, and bent over the knotted
handkerchief. It was tied as if the knots were never intended to be
undone, and presently she paused to take off her gloves before attacking
it again, while Jack expostulated and apologised for the trouble he was
giving. Finally, regardless of her light draperies, Lady Margot knelt
down on the ground so as to work more conveniently, and in the midst of
her efforts a saucy face peered suddenly round the corner of a tree a
few yards distant, and Mollie hove into sight, with head thrown back and
arms a-kimbo in would-be threatening attitude. From her position Jack's
broad shoulders hid from view the grey figure behind the chair, and he
guessed as much, and took a wicked delight in the thought.

"Well, Mr Melland, I hope you feel refreshed by your slumbers, and have
awakened in a better frame of mind," cried Mollie loftily. "Will you
say you are sorry, and be taken to have tea on the terrace, or be
obstinate and stay here by your lonesome little self?"

"Neither, thank you; I have been fortunate enough to find a friend in
need, so am no longer dependent on your good offices. Allow me to
introduce you--Miss Mary Farrell--Lady Margot Blount!" said Jack
dramatically.

Tableau!

Mollie's arms dropped to her sides and her face grew scarlet under the
garden-hat. So far from rising to her position as hostess, it was the
visitor who came forward to shake hands and speak the conventional words
of greeting. It was, indeed, a cruel Fate which sent just this visitor
at just this very time! Half a dozen times over during the last
fortnight had Mollie donned one of her grand London dresses and sat
primly in the drawing-room, with intent to receive Lady Margot in style,
and impress her with a sense of her own dignity and importance! And
then to be discovered behaving like a mischievous school-girl, and be
taken at such a disadvantage that she could not even find her voice! It
was too annoying!

"Good-afternoon, Miss Farrell! I was coming up to the house to call
upon you and your sister. I am so happy to have found you at home; and,
do you know, I belie