riage opposite Victor, she was still further depressed
by the fear that he was also comparing her with Mollie, to her own
disadvantage; but there was no hint of such a thought in his look or
manner. The dark eyes met hers with sympathetic understanding. At
every point he deferred to her opinion with a subtle flattery which was
inexpressibly soothing to her wounded feelings.

The occupants of the first house on the list were not at home, so a
sheaf of cards were left, and the carriage sped on another mile to
Number 2, where the family were discovered superintending the
arrangements of bedding-out plants round the front lawn. They greeted
the visitors with easy cordiality, consulted them on the knotty question
of geraniums _versus_ begonias, escorted them round the gardens, and
were vociferously reproachful when they refused to stay another half-
hour to partake of tea.

As the carriage drove up the drive leading to the third house, a
masculine figure was seen rushing to conceal itself behind the bushes,
and the visitors had hard work to conceal their smiles when their
hostess sent an urgent message to summon her husband from the grounds,
and, on hearing that he could not be found, expressed her conviction
that he would be woefully disappointed to have missed the pleasure of
making their acquaintance.

"A fellow-feeling makes us wondrous kind! I don't feel a bit of a
grudge against that fellow," Victor said laughingly, as they drove off
once more. "With your permission, I am going to follow his example and
make a bolt of it when we get back to the high-road. I shall enjoy the
walk home, after being cramped up all afternoon. You will excuse me,
won't you?"

"But we are going to the Moat. That's the next house on the list.
Don't you want to see Lady Margot?" cried Mollie, outspoken as usual.

Both girls stared at him in amazement, but there was no sign of
embarrassment on the handsome, smiling face.

"Very much, of course, but not enough to face another drawing-room
catechism, accompanied by draughts of strong tea. There will be no
escape this time, so you must be generous, and let me run for it, like
poor Mr Granger! I have been very good and docile, but if you only
knew how I am longing for freedom!"

There was no gainsaying such a request, nor, indeed, did either of the
girls particularly wish to do so.

They made no objections, therefore, but, putting Victor down at the
cross-roads, drove on their wa