mistaken idea that Prettyman was poor when she
became a widow," said Mrs. de Tracy. "On the contrary she had
relations quite well able to support her, I believe. I never cross the
river, in these days, and the matter has escaped my memory, so that
things have been left as they were."

"No great loss," said Mark candidly, "since the cottage in its present
state is utterly unfit for any tenant. As to Prettyman, is it your
intention to give her notice to quit?"

"Unquestionably, since the cottage is needed," answered Mrs. de Tracy.
"She has occupied it too long as it is." The speaker's lips closed
like a vice over the words.

"God pity Elizabeth Prettyman!" ejaculated Lavendar to himself. "Might
is Right still, apparently, at Stoke Revel!" Aloud he merely said, "A
weak deference to public opinion was never a foible of yours, Mrs. de
Tracy; but I think I would advise you to consider some question of
compensation to Mrs. Prettyman for the loss of the cottage."

"If you can show me that the woman has any legal claim upon the
estate, I will consider the question, but not otherwise," said Mrs. de
Tracy with such an air of finality that Lavendar was inclined to let
the matter drop for the moment.

"The firm," he said, "will communicate your wishes to Mrs. Prettyman
by letter."

"Prettyman cannot read," snapped Mrs. de Tracy. "She must be told, and
the sooner the better."

"Well, Mrs. de Tracy," said the young man with a short laugh,
"provided it is not I who have to tell her, well and good. I warn you
the task would not be to my taste unless compensation were offered
her."

Mrs. de Tracy's features hardened to a degree unusual even to her.

"I am apparently less tender-hearted than you," she said sardonically.
"I shall, if I think fit, deal with Prettyman in person." The subject
was dropped, and Lavendar rose to leave the room, but Mrs. de Tracy
detained him.

"The Admiral's niece, Mrs. David Loring, is my guest at present," she
said. "It happens that she has crossed the river to Wittisham and is
paying a visit to Prettyman. I should be obliged, Mark, if you would
row across and fetch her back, as by some misunderstanding, my servant
has not waited for her. You are an oarsman, I know."

The young man consented with alacrity. "I shall kill two birds with
one stone," he said cheerfully, "I shall visit the famous plum tree
cottage and see Mrs. Prettyman for myself; and I shall have the
privilege of executing your co