d that no one knew him, he thought he might procure
some congenial occupation in his own neighbourhood. It was part of the
same romance that he should obtain this employment at the hands of Mr.
Copley. But, of course, he does not pass in his own name. Please to
recollect that he is Mr. Field. Now, my dear, you have the whole story
in a nutshell. It is like the plot of a novel. I am the beautiful
heroine, beloved by the rich bounder, while my heart is given to the
handsome penniless young man of good family who is in the villain's
employ. Don't think me heartless because I speak so lightly of it, and
don't forget to behave as if I had not told you this story. Mr. Field is
an old friend of ours, and that's the only thing you have to remember."

Alice Carden promised to act discreetly. There was no time to say more,
for Fielden was beside them, and Alice found herself bowing to him as if
he were a new acquaintance.

"You have not been here before?" he asked.

"This is my first visit to Haredale," Alice said. "But I have seen you
before, Mr. Field. Don't you remember you were with my father and Sir
George at Mirst Park a day or two ago? We were not introduced then."

"Oh, I have not forgotten it," Fielden laughed. "I understand you are an
old friend of May's, I mean Miss Haredale's. Would you mind if I came
over to-night after dinner?"

May flashed a glance at the speaker.

"We shall be delighted," she said. "I fancy my father told me he
expected Mr. Copley, too."

Fielden said nothing for a moment or two; then it suddenly occurred to
him that he had forgotten an important matter which would detain him
that evening. He understood what May had hinted to him. He knew it was
hardly prudent for him to be much at Haredale Park whilst Copley was in
the neighbourhood. By way of turning the conversation, he suggested that
the girls should dismount and inspect the stables.

"Nothing I should like better," Alice cried.

"Then come on," Fielden said eagerly. "Let me help you down. You will
find the stables everything to be desired. They are modern, luxurious,
and nothing appears to have been overlooked. From first to last they
must have cost about twice as much as the house. We have a dozen helpers
more than are necessary; indeed, things are conducted on a most lavish
scale."

"And the horses?" Alice asked. "Are they----"

"Well, as to the horses, the less said about them the better. They are a
pretty moderate lot. Perhap