The roses came back into Una's face in full bloom, her heart beat more lightly, and her spirits rose as the four impatient horses dashed along the roads which now ran through the beautiful vicinity of Richmond. She had almost--almost--forgotten that Jack was not there, when happening to glance round suddenly at Lady Bell, she saw her looking dreamily before her, evidently lost in thought, with a wistful drooping of the bright red lips and a disappointed shadow in the dark eyes. Then Una knew that it was not only she herself who felt the absence of the missing one. However, Lady Bell soon rallied, and when they drove up to the hotel she was as bright as ever. The luncheon had been sent up to Thames Dutton, one of the prettiest parts of the Thames, and it had been arranged that the gentlemen should row up to the island, hence the white flannel and cheviot costumes. They found boats awaiting them at the river side, and, with much laughing and gayety, started. It was a beautiful scene, the river gleaming like a flood of silver between its banks of green meadows and stately trees, the three boats with their bright colored occupants. Una, who was of nature's own kin, was filled with delight; it was better than being at Warden. She leaned back in her comfortable seat in the stern of the foremost boat, rapt in silent enjoyment. Lady Bell looked at her rather wistfully. "How happy you look, child," she said, in a lower voice than usual. "I am quite happy," said Una, simply. "You are just the person for a picnic," said Lady Clarence. "I feel sure that you would look just as contented and serene if it rained in torrents, while the rest of us would be running about bemoaning our spoiled clothes." Una laughed. "I am not afraid of rain," she said. "That's fortunate, Miss Rolfe," said Dalrymple, who was pulling stroke, and exerting himself nobly, while Hetley, pulling behind him, allowed him to do all the work. "That's fortunate, as we shall be sure to have a shower or two--always do at a water picnic." "No prophesying, marquis!" cried Lady Bell. "There isn't a cloud in the sky; there isn't a sign of wet." "I'm sorry for that," he said, with mock gravity, "for I'm fearfully thirsty." They paid no attention to this broad hint, however, until they were going through Teddington Lock, when Lady Bell produced some champagne and soda water, and Hetley made a cooling cup. When it came to Una's turn--they all drank out of the same cup, a splendid silver tankard, chased with the Earlsley arms--she glanced at it askance and shook her head. "But you must, my dear Una," said Lady Bell. "You will be parched." "Let me have some water," said Una, and making a cup of her hand--a trick she had learned at a very early age--she bent over the boat and as quietly and naturally drank a draught. The countess looked at her earnestly, and Sir Arkroyd muttered to Dalrymple: "Where did she come from?"