presently. "A hunter like Meleager--or
cunning like Theseus--or noble like Perseus, whom I love best of all?"

"He is not very Greek to look at, I am afraid, except perhaps in his
length of limb," and the Professor smiled. "He is just a thin, lanky,
rather distinguished young Englishman and was considered to be the most
brilliant of my pupils, taking a Double First under my auspices and
leaving Oxford with flying colors when I retired myself a year or two
ago. He has been very lucky since, he is full of ambitions in the
political line, and he has a fearless and rather caustic wit."

"I must think of him as Pericles, then, if he is occupied with the
state," said Halcyone. "But how has he been lucky since? I would like to
know--tell me, please, and I will try not to mind his being here."

"Yes--try--" said Mr. Carlyon. "After he took his degree he studied law
and history, you know, as well as the Greek philosophy which you may
come to some day--he went to London to the Temple to read for the bar.
He never intended to be a practicing barrister, but everything is a
means to his career. Then his luck came--he has lots of friends and
relations in the great world and at one of their country houses he met
the Prime Minister, who took a tremendous fancy to him, and the thing
going well, the great man finally asked him to be his assistant private
secretary, which post he accepted. The chief private secretary last year
being made governor of a colony, John has now stepped into his shoes,
and presently he will go into Parliament. He is a brilliant fellow and
cares for no man--following only his own star. I shall be very glad to
see him again."

Halcyone's face fell into a brown study and the Professor watching her
mused to himself.

"John Derringham will find her in the way. She is not woman enough yet
to attract his eye; he will only perceive she is a rather plain
child--and she will certainly see the other side of his head."

As Halcyone walked back to La Sarthe Chase for her early dinner, she
mused also:

"I must not feel this dislike towards Cheiron's other pupil. After all,
Jason could not have the master alone--and if I do feel it then he will
be able to harm me, should he dislike me, too--but if I try to like him,
then he will be powerless, and when he has gone he will not have left
any mark."

Mr. Carlyon felt a perceptible glow of interest as he waited at five
o'clock that day upon the dilapidated stone bench in