"You might; I will ask you if I require anything." "And then I shall be an acquaintance," he said, smiling. "Would you rather be my friend?" "Yes." She held out her hand. "I do not think that will be difficult," she said, her eyes flashing into his. CHAPTER XX RITA SEES A RESEMBLANCE Some acquaintanceships ripen fast into friendship; it was so with Lenise Elroy and Hector, at least on her side. She knew him as William Rolfe and as such he appealed to her. At times he reminded her in a vague way of Hector Woodridge; she liked him none the worse for this, although it brought back painful memories. She was fast drifting into the ocean of love where she would be tossed about, buffeted by the waves, and probably damaged. The impression he made on her was not easily effaced; she began to neglect Fletcher Denyer, much to his mortification. Before she met Rolfe their connection had been smooth, going on the even tenor of its way, with nothing to mar the harmony, but this new acquaintance proved a disturbing element and she was no longer the same to him. He resented it but could do nothing; he was powerless. He spoke to her, remonstrated, and she laughed at him; it was of no use tackling Rolfe, who would probably tell him to mind his business. He had, however, no intention of relinquishing what little hold he had over her, and tried to make himself more indispensable. Rolfe was friendly, took a hint as to some speculative shares and made money. It was September and the St. Leger day drew near. Hector had not forgotten Tearaway. He did not write to his brother; he thought it better not, safer. He watched the papers and saw the filly occasionally quoted at a hundred to four taken. The secret of the trial had been well kept, nothing leaked out about it. Ripon was a firm favorite at three to one, and all the wise men at Newmarket were sanguine of his success. Bronze was much fancied in certain quarters, and Harriet, The Monk, and Field Gun, frequently figured in the list; there was every prospect of a larger field than usual. Fletcher Denyer often talked about racing with Hector, who was quite willing to discuss the chances of horses with him. "I am told on the best authority Bronze will win," said Fletcher. "What do you fancy, Rolfe?" "I haven't thought much about it," replied Hector. "If Bronze is as good as they make out, he must have a chance." "If you want to back him I can get your money on at a good price," said Fletcher. "I'll think it over," said Hector. Mrs. Elroy was also interested in the St. Leger. She knew the owner of Ripon, who told her he did not think his horse had anything to fear. This news was imparted to Hector. "Are you going to Doncaster?" she asked. He said he was, that he always liked to see the St. Leger run. "I think I shall go," she said. "I have been asked to join a house party near Doncaster."