"No, no! Some people are like that. They are made so. I don't feel in the least bitter about it. He left me enough to live upon, though as a matter of fact neither he nor anyone else expected me to grow up at the time that will was made. It was solely due to Biddy's devotion, I believe, that I managed to do so." He uttered his quiet laugh. "I am talking rather much about myself. It's kind of you not to be bored." "Bored!" echoed Dinah, with shining eyes. "I think you are simply wonderful. I hope--I hope Sir Eustace realizes it." "I hope he does," agreed Scott with a twinkle. "He has ample opportunities for doing so. Ah, there he is! He is actually skating alone. What has become of the beautiful Miss de Vigne, I wonder." They walked on, nearing the rink. "I'm not going to be horrid about her any more," said Dinah suddenly. "You must have thought me a perfect little cat. And so I was!" "Oh, please!" protested Scott. "I didn't!" She laughed. "That just shows how kind you are. It doesn't make me feel the least bit better. I was a cat. There! Oh, your brother is calling you. I think I'll go." She blushed very deeply and quickened her steps. Sir Eustace had come to the edge of the rink. "Stumpy!" he called. "Stumpy!" "How dare he call you that?" said Dinah. "I can't think how you can put up with it." Scott raised his shoulders slightly, philosophically. "Doesn't the cap fit?" he said. "Not a bit," Dinah declared with emphasis. "I have another name for you that suits you far better." "Oh! What is that?" he looked at her with smiling curiosity. Dinah's blush deepened from carmine to crimson. "I call you--Mr. Greatheart," she said, her voice very low. "Because you help everybody." A gleam of surprise crossed his face. He flushed also; but she saw that though embarrassed, he was not displeased. He put a hand to his cap. "Thank you, Miss Bathurst," he said simply, and turned without further words to answer his brother's summons. Dinah walked quickly on. That stroll with Scott had quite lifted her out of her depression. CHAPTER IX THE RUNAWAY COLT "It really is very tiresome," complained Lady Grace. "I knew that child was going to be a nuisance from the very outset." "What has she done now?" growled the Colonel. He was lounging in the easiest chair in the room, smoking an excellent cigar, preparatory to indulging in his afternoon nap. His wife reclined upon a sofa with a French novel which she had not begun to read. Through the great windows that opened on to the balcony the sunshine streamed in a flood of golden light. Rose was seated on the balcony enjoying the warmth. Lady Grace's eyes rested upon her slim figure in its scarlet coat as she made reply.