t. It
was the height of discourtesy to stand staring; and with a blush she
called Jock and turned hastily away to retrace her steps.

The man and the dog watched her go; and only when she was nearly out of
sight did they turn back and re-enter the little white bungalow which
was known locally as the Hope House.

At breakfast Owen asked Toni kindly if she felt inclined for a day on
the river.

"I thought we might take our lunch and go quite a long way," he said.
"I'm afraid this must be our last holiday jaunt for a little time. I
shall have to be busy after this."

"Will you?" She looked a trifle wistful; and Owen was sorry for her.

"Well, I daresay I can manage a day off now and then. To-morrow's
Thursday, isn't it? I must be up in town then, and I'm afraid I shall be
late home. There's a dinner I rather wanted to attend, but it would mean
a long evening alone for you."

"I don't mind." She smiled reassuringly. "I've got Jock to keep me
company and there are plenty of people in the house."

"Well, Andrews is a pretty sturdy young chap, and of course there are
three or four women. There's the telephone, too, you know, so you really
needn't be nervous--especially now, when the river is as full of traffic
as Bond Street!"

"I'm not a bit nervous," she said. "I ... I was just wondering----"

She broke off, flushing, and Owen felt an unwonted curiosity as to her
meaning.

"Well?" He spoke kindly, but Toni seemed unable to proceed.

"I was thinking ... I mean ..." Suddenly impatient of her own cowardice
she took her courage in both hands and spoke bravely. "I was wondering
whether you would allow me to ask Fanny--my cousin--down for the
afternoon. You see, if you are away----"

"Why, of course, dear!" Owen spoke the more heartily because he felt a
slight compunction at the thought of her relations. "Ask your cousin by
all means. You must remember that this is your house, Toni, and you need
not ask my leave to invite your friends."

"Thank you." She was looking down as she spoke, but her cheeks were
scarlet. "I will ask her then ... but ..." suddenly her words came with
a rush "... I know my people aren't like yours ... I couldn't let them
meet your friends ... I mean--I'll ask them when you are not at home,
and then----"

"Don't be a goose, Toni!" Owen hoped his voice betrayed nothing. "Your
people are my people now, you know, and I don't want you to get any
silly ideas into your head at the start."

She