"It is getting quite cold," she said, brightly, as Rothbury opened the gate. " I shall canter all the way home." " I have not had an opportunity of speak ing to you alone, Mis 3 Awdry," he said, as they moved slowly forward to the horses. "I wanted to tell you that I have heard from Carslake. He writes that he will be down to-morrow to interview me on a matter connected with the estate ; I have wired back that 1 shall expect him. Do you know a lady of the name of Wentworth— Mrs Wentworth ?"

Margaret looked at him and shook her head ; her manner had grown suddenly grave. •'' I shall note what you have told me," went on Rothbury, after a thoughtful pause. " aud should there be any fresh develop ments I will let you know. Shall you be riding on Thursday or Friday ? lam not certain how long he intends to stay." " I shall be out on both days if it is fine," Margaret answered. On his way back past the lodge Rothbury caught sight of a young girl standing in the doorway. A pair of black eyes regarded

him from a face of snowy whiteness. Roth bury hesitated, and the girl curtsied. " You must be Joy Irons," he said, ad vancing to the door. " Yes, sir," she replied. "I am glad to see you about," he said, extending his hand. "Are you feeling stronger ?" "Oh yes, sir," replied the girl, "I am always stroug except before oue of my fits." '•I hope if there is anything I can do your father will let me know." " Thank you, sir." A ruddy-faced, cheerful-looking woman, with a pair of bright, twinkling black eyes, nowappeared in the doorway. "Strong," she exclaimed, looking with humorous affection at her daughter. "Sure an' it's not for want of sleep if she isn't. Will ye be coming inside, sir?" Rothbury shook his head, laughing, and with a brisk good-night set off along the drive. The girl and her mother turned into the kitchen, where a cheerful fire of pine logs crackled in the grate, filling the room with a warm, soft light. From the whitened ceiling to the rod-ochred floor the place wa3 a pattern of cleanliness and order. Joy sat down, her eyes bent musingly on the fire. 