t what could she say to the magnificent
gentleman on the stately horse? He had only to send his servant into the
village to ask who the young lady from London was staying with, and the
answer, in a dozen mouths at least, would direct him to her aunt. She
cast one appealing look at Moody and pronounced the distinguished name
of Miss Pink.

"Miss Pink?" Hardyman repeated. "Surely I know Miss Pink?" (He had not
the faintest remembrances of her.) "Where did I meet her last?" (He ran
over in his memory the different local festivals at which strangers
had been introduced to him.) "Was it at the archery meeting? or at the
grammar-school when the prizes were given? No? It must have been at the
flower show, then, surely?"

It _had_ been at the flower show. Isabel had heard it from Miss Pink
fifty times at least, and was obliged to admit it now.

"I am quite ashamed of never having called," Hardyman proceeded. "The
fact is, I have so much to do. I am a bad one at paying visits. Are you
on your way home? Let me follow you and make my apologies personally to
Miss Pink."

Moody looked at Isabel. It was only a momentary glance, but she
perfectly understood it.

"I am afraid, sir, my aunt cannot have the honor of seeing you to-day,"
she said.

Hardyman was all compliance. He smiled and patted his horse's neck.
"To-morrow, then," he said. "My compliments, and I will call in the
afternoon. Let me see: Miss Pink lives at--?" He waited, as if he
expected Isabel to assist his treacherous memory once more. She
hesitated again. Hardyman looked round at his groom. The groom could
find out the address, even if he did not happen to know it already.
Besides, there was the little row of houses visible at the further end
of the road. Isabel pointed to the villas, as a necessary concession
to good manners, before the groom could anticipate her. "My aunt lives
there, sir; at the house called The Lawn."

"Ah! to be sure!" said Hardyman. "I oughtn't to have wanted reminding;
but I have so many things to think of at the farm. And I am afraid I
must be getting old--my memory isn't as good as it was. I am so glad to
have seen you, Miss Isabel. You and your aunt must come and look at my
horses. Do you like horses? Are you fond of riding? I have a quiet roan
mare that is used to carrying ladies; she would be just the thing for
you. Did I beg you to give my best compliments to your aunt? Yes? How
well you are looking! our air here agrees with you.