I don't hope it, my dear.'

'We will amuse him. Drive him out--anything. And perhaps he won't come.'

'Very well. Remember that I am not expected to--to--'

'Nothing, but just to drive with him. Thanks! you are a capital _pater_,
and I will send this off immediately. Just direct it, "---- Jones, Esq.,
Glanyravon Farm." I wonder whether his name is David? I hope not. I
don't like David.'

'Freda carried the note to the butler herself, and told him to get it
sent immediately, and to tell the messenger to wait for an answer; then
she went with the parcel of letters to Miss Hall.

The note found Mr Jones, Mr Prothero, and Gladys comfortably established
near a snug fire in the hall, at a well-spread tea-table. Mr Jones asked
for tea in preference to _cwrw da_, and he and Gladys were enjoying it,
whilst Mr Prothero chose the good home-brewed. Eggs and bacon, cold
meat, and most tempting butter were upon the table, and Mrs Prothero was
acting waitress and hostess at the same time.

Shanno appeared with the note, delicately held by the corner between her
finger and thumb.

'From the Park, missus, for the gentleman.'

'Promise you me, before you open it, not to go there to-night,' said Mr
Prothero, taking the note.

'That I can safely do,' said Mr Jones.

When he had read the note he looked pleased, and his manner was rather
flurried, as he said,--

'Perhaps I can manage to stay over to-morrow, but I will not go
to-night. Will you oblige me with a pen and ink?'

Gladys was off in a moment, and returned with writing materials.

Mr Jones wrote a polite note, declining the invitation for that evening
upon plea of the lateness of the hour and fatigue, but promising to call
on the morrow early, and to remain the day, if he possibly could.

After he had despatched his note he seemed more thoughtful than he was
before, and, for a short time, absent when spoken to; but rousing
himself he made good return for the kindness and hospitality of his host
and hostess by his agreeable and instructive conversation.

He told them that he had been a missionary ever since his ordination,
and had travelled over the principal parts of the continent of
Australia. Gladys forgot her fatigue in her great interest in his
subject; and when he saw her deep attention, he frequently addressed her
and drew forth questions from her which surprised Mr Prothero quite as
much, or more than it did Mr Jones. Mrs Prothero knew the girl's turn of
min