“I’ll ride down to the works and see Oscar!” cried Sheila, as she paused upon the brow of a little hill, and saw the town and the chimneys lying like a map before her. “I should like to see him at his treadmill, poor boy; but he seems to like the work pretty well. He is a good boy, and never complains. I should, I know, if I were in his shoes.” Sheila’s plan was put into speedy execution, and before long she had ridden into the enclosure surrounded by her uncle’s buildings, and had asked for her brother. Oscar came out to her with a smile on his face but surprise in his eyes. “Are you all alone, Sheila? How did you get leave to come?” “I didn’t ask. Why should I? I just came. Effie was cross, and sent me away, and I got Shamrock saddled, and here I am!” “Oh, but I think you should have asked Aunt Cossart first! They say she is very nervous about girls riding, and would never let them go alone. Besides, through the town it isn’t perhaps quite usual. It’s not like being at home, Sheila.” “Oh, well, I hadn’t thought of going to the town when I started, Oscar, so you needn’t look so solemn! Nobody knows I’m out; so Aunt Cossart can’t be getting anxious. I want to see what you are doing, so that I may picture you better.” North came up at this moment, and had a kindly welcome for his young cousin. He rather laughed at her independence, but was ready enough to have her horse taken care of whilst she went to see Oscar’s “treadmill,” and saw various interesting things at the works. Her pretty appealing little ways amused him, and he was quite ready to make something of a pet of her, as were most other people. She forgot all her troubles, laughed, chatted, and talked to the work-people, the clerks, and everybody she met, until finally a great bell booming out overhead proclaimed the hour of one; and Sheila realised that she should be late for luncheon. Oscar put her up, and she started forth at a rapid pace, and covered the two miles between the works and Cossart Place in very good time; nevertheless she saw a visible commotion at the door as she cantered up the drive, and was aware that both her aunt and uncle were on the look-out, as well as several servants. “Did they expect me to return on a shutter?” questioned the girl of herself, with a feeling of mischievous glee. She was in good spirits from her little jaunt, and was amazed by the agitated whiteness of her aunt’s face, as she dismounted and ran up the steps into the hall. “I’m sorry to be late; but I overlooked the time. I was at the works, seeing Oscar and the people there. I hope you haven’t waited! Effie sent me off to have a ride, and it’s so delightful having Shamrock again! I did so enjoy it!” Mrs. Cossart said not a word but turned again to the dining-room. The servants were about, and she had no intention of saying what was in her mind before them. Mr. Cossart shook his head and said reprovingly—