she said, "where does she come from?"

He raised his shoulders expressively. "Where do all women come from--and
why, _chere reine_? It would be such a peaceful planet without them."

He was in a baffling mood, and she knew better than to pursue the subject
under those conditions. She abandoned her effort with a sigh.

"She is not a woman; she is a child, very charming but utterly
irresponsible. She is in the training field just now with Jake and Bunny.
She is a positive delight to Jake. She can do anything with the horses."

"But not such a delight to you?" suggested Saltash shrewdly.

Maud hesitated momentarily. "I love her of course," she said then.
"But--though I have tried to make her feel at ease--I think she is a
little afraid of me--afraid anyhow to be quite natural in my presence."

"But are we any of us that?" protested Saltash. "Are we not all on our
best behaviour in the audience-chamber?"

Maud sighed again. "They are all great pals," she said irrelevantly. "She
and Bunny are terribly reckless. I hope they won't break their necks
before they have done."

"Or their hearts?" suggested Saltash, looking mischievous.

She smiled. "I don't think there is much danger of that, anyhow at
present. She is a positive child, Charlie,--as young as Eileen in many
ways, or perhaps younger. Shall we walk down to the field and look at
them?"

"Your servant, madam!" said Saltash readily.

He was on his feet in an instant, and she realized that he had been
chafing to go since the moment of his arrival.

"You take a great interest in her," she remarked, as they walked along
the terrace.

He made his most appalling grimace. "I have never had an infant to look
after before," he said "And--I have to make my report to Larpent."

"Ah! How is he?" questioned Maud.

He shot her a swift glance. "Is the child anxious?"

"Not in the least. I don't believe she ever thinks about him. She told me
on the first day that she hardly knows him."

Saltash laughed. "How honest of her! Well, he's getting better, but he
won't be well yet. May I leave her in your charge, a while longer?"

"Of course!" Maud said warmly. "I love to have her, and she is a great
help to me too. The children simply worship her, and she is splendid with
them. I believe Eileen will very soon get over her dread of riding."

"Toby can ride?" asked Saltash.

"Oh yes, like a cow-boy. She is amazingly fearless, and never minds a
tumble in the least. She ca