As the afternoon approached, with another twinge of self-reproach, he was obliged to invent some excuse to decline certain hospitable plans of Mrs.Peyton's for his entertainment, and at half past three stole somewhat guiltily, with his horse, from the stables.

But he had to pass before the outer wall of the garden and grille, through which he had seen Mary the day before.

Raising his eyes mechanically, he was startled to see Mrs.Peyton standing behind the grating, with her abstracted gaze fixed upon the wind-tossed, level grain beyond her.

She smiled as she saw him, but there were traces of tears in her proud, handsome eyes.
"You are going to ride ?" she said pleasantly.
"Y-e-es," stammered the shamefaced Clarence.
She glanced at him wistfully.
"You are right.

The girls have gone away by themselves.