n this he was right, yet wrong.
Caprice was the indirect reason. The direct cause was the heel of a
little hunting-boot adroitly applied to a somewhat sensitive flank.
There is no doubt at all that Anthony had a lot to learn.

Out of the broil stepped Conversation lightly enough.

"You must forgive us both," said the lady, turning her mount towards
Gramarye. "We've had a bad day. Quite early on we took the deuce of a
toss, and I lost him. A labourer caught him, and then let him go
again. By the time I'd got him, the hounds were miles away. I'd never
've believed it was possible to go so fast or so far as I did and never
hear of them. After two solid hours I gave it up."

Anthony was walking by her side, listening gravely.

"What a shame!" he said. Then: "I hope you weren't hurt."

"Shoulder's a bit stiff. I fell on the point. But a hot bath'll put
that right. D'you live here?"

"About a mile on. At Gramarye."

The girl stared at him.

"Gramarye?"

"Not at the house," said Anthony. "I live in the cottage at the
south-west end of the park."

"Oh, I know. D'you work there, then?"

Anthony nodded.

"That's my job."

"So you're Major Lyveden?" said the girl.

Anthony looked up.

"How did you know?" he said.

A pair of large brown eyes regarded him steadily. Then the red lips
parted, and Andre Strongi'th'arm flung back her handsome head and
laughed merrily.

"Did you think," she said, panting, "did you really think that you
could come to dwell in the parish of Girdle, and the fact escape the
notice of the other parishioners?" She hesitated, and a suggestion of
mockery crept into her voice. "Or are you too wrapped up in the estate
to think about anything else?"

"I believe I am," said Anthony.

"I beg your pardon," said Miss Strongi'th'arm with an elaborate
courtesy. "Thank you very much for enduring me for three minutes. If
I'd----"

Her hunter broke into a trot.

"No, no," cried Anthony, running beside her. "Please walk again." She
pulled the horse up. "I didn't mean to be rude. I meant----"

"I should leave it alone," said Andre. "You'll only make it worse.
You're much too honest. Besides, I love the country, and I--I think,"
she added dreamily, "I can understand."

"Can you?"

The eagerness in Anthony's voice was arrestingly pathetic, and Andre
started at the effect of her idle words.

"I--I think so. I've given water to a thirsty plant.... I suppose the
gratit