"He was a well-bred man who must have met with some great misfortune. I pitied him, my heart bled for him; he was no common man, it was easy to recognize that. He thanked me courteously and went on his way down the road. I have often thought of him since and wondered what became of him. When you first came up, Mr. Rolfe, you reminded me of him, in looks and build, that is all. Have I offended you?" "Not at all," said Hector. "You are quite sure I am not your gentleman tramp? Look again." "Don't be absurd! Of course you are not the man; it was a mere passing resemblance," she said. "You did a very kindly action, and I am sure the man, whoever he is, will never forget it, or you. Perhaps at some future time he may repay your kindness. Who knows? There are some strange chances in the world, so many ups and downs, I should not at all wonder if you met him again in a very different sphere," said Hector. Lady Raines and her daughters came on to the terrace and Rita joined them. "Whew!" said Hector, "that was a narrow squeak, Pic. I went hot and cold all over when I recognized who it was with you, but I thought I had better come out and face the music." "That's about the closest shave you've had, but even had she been certain she would only have known you as William Rolfe." "I forgot that," said Hector. "Still, it is better as it is. I say, Pic, is she the one?" "I hope so," his brother replied, laughing. "I mean to have a good try." "Lucky fellow!" said Hector with a sigh. "There's no such chance of happiness for me." "There may be some day," said Picton. "You have not told me what you have been doing in London." "Plotting," said Hector. "I am on the way to secure my revenge--I shall succeed." "Can't you give me some idea how you mean to be revenged?" asked Picton. "Not at present. You may get an inkling at Doncaster, if you keep your eyes open; but I expect all your attention will be riveted on Tearaway," said Hector. "That's highly probable. One doesn't own a Leger winner every year," said Picton. "Then you think she is sure to win?" "Certain, and Sir Robert won't hear of her defeat. He has backed her to win a large stake, and he's jubilant about it." "It seems strange she does not shorten in the betting," said Hector. "I don't take much notice of that; she's not a public performer, and it is a field above the average. If it had leaked out about the trial it would have been different, but we have a good lot of lads at Haverton; they know how to hold their tongues," said Picton. "I'll tell you what, Pic, I'd like to let old Brack know. Wouldn't the dear old boy rejoice at getting on a twenty-five to one chance; he'd think more of it than anything. Brackish, boatman, Torquay, would find him," said Hector. "He shall know," said Picton. "I'll tell you what, it would be a joke to get him to Doncaster for the St. Leger. I'll send Rose down to hunt him up and bring him."