in a short, apt speech, duly applauded.

He, in return, proposed the army, coupled with Colonel Vaughan,
who--and, he said, he knew he was expressing the thoughts of all
present--was heartily welcomed home, and earnestly entreated to remain
in his native country.

Colonel Vaughan delighted every one by a most eloquent response. 'Such a
grand gentleman, but so humble,' was the general opinion of him. As for
the ladies, they were all in love with him. Lady Mary Nugent, Freda,
Miss Nugent--they had never seen so charming a man. And he was so
universally gallant that he might have been in love with them all in
return. He gave the 'Welsh Yeomanry,' for whom Mr Prothero returned
thanks, and right well he did it; giving the colonel to understand in
something more than a hint, that if he wished the farmers and farming to
improve, he, and other absent landlords, must come and live on their
property as Mr Gwynne did, and then there would be more wealth and
prosperity, and more 'harvest homes.'

And so, with various other toasts, including the vicar and his lady, for
whom Owen had to return thanks, the afternoon wore on. The children were
playing at games in the Park, and by degrees the elders joined them.

Here Gladys was foremost. It was wonderful to see how she had gained the
affections of the young. One and all were round her, and when the
gentlemen and ladies came to look on, and join in the revels, the first
thing that attracted them was the flushed face and graceful figure of
this really beautiful girl, as she led the boisterous youngsters in a
game of 'French and English.'

In a moment Colonel Vaughan was in the ring heading the boys; but Gladys
immediately retired, abashed, as he stood opposite to her, as captain on
the French side. But Owen came to the rescue, and the gallant officer
and equally gallant sailor headed the ranks, as commanders of the bands
of French and English. They had a hard fight on both sides, but at last
the English conquered, and Owen and his party won the day amidst great
cheering.

Sir Hugh and Rowland joined in the succeeding games; and sixpences,
sweetmeats, apples, and every available prize was given to the boys and
girls for racing, jumping, singing, and the like, until the shades of
evening fell over the scene.

Lady Mary Nugent and her daughter were the first to wish good-night; as
they were to walk home, Colonel Vaughan proposed accompanying them.

'You will return at once?' asked