rayed in chiffons and laces, she wore a
perfectly simple lawn dress, with a coarse straw hat shading her face;
but the accessories of shoes, gloves, belt, parasol, and dainty jewelled
fastenings were all of an immaculate perfection, and with her tall,
graceful carriage she was by far the most striking figure present.

The two girls had met several times at different houses in the
neighbourhood since the formal exchange of calls, and it was not
Margot's fault that the friendship had not progressed still further.
She was always cordial, almost demonstrative in manner, eager to plan
fresh meetings and mutual occupations. It was Ruth who persistently put
obstacles in the way. In spite of Victor's protestations, she
instinctively recognised in Lady Margot a formidable rival, and the
knowledge gave her courage to disregard her uncle's expressed wishes,
and neither give nor accept informal invitations.

To-day, however, in the flush of her success she was full of good-will
to the whole world, and the former jealousy was replaced by
commiseration. Poor Lady Margot, poor everybody whom Victor did not
love as he loved herself!

"Oh, Lady Margot, I am so glad to see you," she cried frankly. "Do come
for a stroll with me! I am so tired of being asked how I like Raby, and
talking commonplaces to curious strangers. Doesn't it all look bright
and pretty? If only it will keep fine to the end."

"Oh, we may have a shower, but I don't think it will be anything more
serious Yes; Mrs Thornton has done wonders. Shall we take this path?
It is the narrowest and quietest, so there is the less fear of
interruption."

Ruth turned in the direction indicated with a somewhat doubtful look. A
narrow path, bordered on one side by prickly gooseberry-bushes, was
hardly the promenade for her perishable fineries; but while she
hesitated Margot led the way forward, and she followed, drawing her
skirts tightly together. Even so, disaster awaited her, for in the
interest of an animated discussion some of the filmy folds slipped from
the hand which held the parasol, dragged along the ground, and finally
caught with a rip and a jerk, leaving a long jagged tear at the hem.

Of the two exclamations, Margot's was far the most distressed.

"Oh, my poor Berengaria! How thoughtless of me to bring you here! It's
all my fault. I am such a plain-hemmed creature myself that I forgot
your frills. You must fasten it up at once or you may trip. I can