were gathering faster and faster.
She answered in a voice half choked by them,--

'Thank you, ma'am, thank you over and over and over again. If I must go
away--if I must--whichever--you--like--I--' Here she finally gave way,
and, sitting down on a chair, sobbed aloud. Mrs Prothero went to her,
and put her arm round her neck. Miss Gwynne looked on compassionately,
and Miss Hall turned to Mr Prothero.

'She does not like to leave you, Mr Prothero,' she said gently.

'I don't want to turn the girl out of the house. But if Miss Gwynne
wants her, I think it is better for all parties for her to go.'

'If you please--certainly,' said Gladys, recovering herself with an
effort. 'I would much rather go to Miss Gwynne in any capacity, and if I
can be of use--it is best, my dear mistress.'

'Then go you, Gladys, and stop crying,' said Mr Prothero. 'Why, your
eyes'll be as red as ferrets when the gentleman comes, and he'll think
we've been giving you an appetite by making you cry. I was near
forgetting, Miss Hall, that we left a strange gentleman at the Park
gate, who said he was going to call on you; he's going to take a bed
here, because there's no inn nearer than the "Coach and Horses."'

'Who can that be?' said Miss Hall.

'We had better make haste home, or we shall miss him,' said Freda.

'Good-bye, Mrs Prothero; I will come again and settle about Gladys.'

It was nearly dusk when the ladies left the farm, and they walked very
fast. They had not gone far when they saw some one on horseback coming
towards them.

'I daresay this is your friend, and that stupid Morgan hasn't let him
in,' said Freda.

'It cannot be; I do not know this gentleman at all,' said Miss Hall, as
the stranger advanced.

He looked at them, and they looked at him; but as there was no symptom
of recognition on either side, they passed without speaking.

'I hope we shall have a good night's rest, now that Gladys is found,'
said Miss Gwynne. 'What is there in the girl that interests one so much?
Even Mr Prothero, in spite of his son, was glad to find her, and to
have her at the farm again. Colonel Vaughan admires her very much.'

'I hope not too much,' said Miss Hall quietly.

'What an absurd idea!' said Miss Gwynne, colouring from beneath her
broad hat. 'He is a man that admires beauty and talent, wherever it is
to be found. I do like that sort of person; free from vulgar prejudice.'

'Not quite, I think, my dearest Freda. He is not so easily