you are going, after all?" was the only remark made by Edna, as she
caught sight of Bessie's gray gown. "Well, be quick; I have nearly
finished my luncheon. I thought you were never coming, and there was no
time to lose."

"I will not keep you waiting," returned Bessie, whose healthy young
appetite failed her for once. "I am not hungry."

"Nonsense?" said Edna, with restored good-humor. "You will find this
mayonnaise excellent. You have had a long ride, and the drive to
Staplehurst will take nearly an hour. We shall have a lovely afternoon
for our expedition."

Edna was chatting in her old lively fashion. She really looked
exquisitely pretty this afternoon, and she seemed to take a delight in
her own naughtiness. Her eyes sparkled mischievously every time she
looked at Bessie's grave face. She was as frisky as a young colt who had
just taken his bit between his teeth and had bolted. Her spirits seemed
to rise during her long drive, and she talked and laughed without
intermission.

Bessie tried to respond and to make herself agreeable, but her efforts
failed signally. She looked forward to the afternoon as a long martyrdom
to be endured; the thought of Mrs. Sefton's and Richard's reproachful
faces came between her and all enjoyment. Edna took no notice of her
unusual gravity; she had gained her end, and obliged Bessie to bear her
unwilling company, and so she was satisfied. It was almost a relief to
Bessie when the drive was over, and they found themselves at
Staplehurst.

Polo was to be played in a large park-like meadow belonging to
Staplehurst Hall. As they drove in at the gate, two or three of the
officers who were to play were walking about in their bright silk
jerseys, while their ponies followed them, led by their grooms. One came
up at once, and greeted the young ladies.

"I was on the lookout for you, Miss Sefton," he observed, with a smile
that he evidently intended to be winning, but which Bessie thought was
extremely disagreeable. "I knew you would not disappoint me, even if
Sefton proved obdurate."

"Richard had some stupid farming engagement," returned Edna, "so I
brought Miss Lambert instead. Is your mother on the ground, Captain
Grant?"

"Yes; let me take you to her," he replied, with alacrity; but it was
some time before Jack and Jill made their way to the central point where
the ladies were sitting. Several of the officers joined Captain Grant,
and there was quite a triumphal procession thro