"DEAR COLONEL MEREDITH--I am grieved to say that some unexpected circumstances necessitate my leaving your hospitable roof and returning home to Cardiganshire at once. I shall walk to the station and catch the 7.30 train. Please tender my heart-felt thanks to Mrs. Meredith, and all the other members of your family for their kindness and hospitality. I hope to call upon them at another time, and express my regrets and thanks in person. "With many thanks to you also, "I remain, "Yours truly, "CARADOC WYNNE." Colonel Meredith was reading the last words as Valmai entered and took her place at the breakfast table. "Isn't it a shame, Beauty," said Gwen. "Just as I was beginning to make a favourable impression upon him, too! There must have been something in the letter Bob took up to him this morning." "Oh, of course," said her father; "fine young fellow--very!" "Awfully handsome, I call him," said Winifred; "such a sparkle in his eyes!" "Beauty wasn't smitten," said Gwen. "On the contrary, she was so smitten she fainted," said Winnie; "you are still rather pale, dear. Papa, wouldn't it be a jolly day for a picnic by the Ithon?" "Yes," said the Colonel; "bring your lunch down in the brake, and we'll light a fire by the carn, and broil the fish, for I am sure we shall get a basketful to-day--eh! eh! Cecil?" "Yes--and the drive will do Miss Powell good," said the lad, who was in good spirits from having so easily got rid of Cardo. And after breakfast they all drove off to the picnic, and Cardo's arrival and his departure were forgotten by all save one. CHAPTER XX. GWLADYS. The week that followed Gwynne Ellis's induction to his new living had been too full of business to allow him to call upon his near neighbours, the most influential member of his congregation, Mrs. Besborough Power of Carne Hall; but soon afterwards he began to look around him and make acquaintance with his parishioners. The Vicarage was large and his ideas of furnishing were limited, so that after arranging and rearranging every room in the house he still looked at them with a dissatisfied air. "I don't know how it is, father; in spite of all this handsome furniture you have given me, there seems something wanting, doesn't there?" "Don't see it," said the old man, "unless it is that wonderful piece of furniture--a wife--you want." "Perhaps, but that will have to wait," and as he drew his handkerchief over the shining face of the sideboard he thought within himself, "Where shall I find one? There are not two Valmai's in the world, and I declare she has spoiled me for every other woman. By the by, I must call on Mrs. Besborough Power, and see if I can't bring her visitor into a better frame of mind."