Evidently Peggy was to understand that her companion had a property in Beaufort Chance; whether the intimation was for Peggy's own benefit or for transmission to another was not clear. It was possibly no more than an ebullition of vanity--but Peggy did not believe that. 'We ride together in the morning sometimes, and that always makes people such friends. No stiffness, you know.' Peggy, wondering when and where any stiffness would intrude into Connie's friendship, agreed that riding was an admirable path to intimacy. 'And then he's so much connected in business with papa; that naturally brings him here a lot.' 'I don't suppose he minds,' suggested Peggy, playing the game. 'He says he doesn't,' laughed Connie, poking out her foot and regarding it with coy intensity, as she had seen ladies do on the stage when the topic of their affections happened to be touched upon. Understanding the accepted significance, if not the inherent propriety, of the attitude, Peggy ventured on a nod which intimated her appreciation of the position. 'Oh, it's all nonsense anyhow, isn't it, Miss Ryle? What I say is, it's just a bit of fun.' In this declaration Connie did less than justice to herself. It was that, but it was something much more. Peggy was vastly amused, and saw no reason to be more delicate or reticent than the lady principally concerned. 'May we congratulate you yet?' 'Gracious, no, Miss Ryle! How you do get on!' At this Peggy saw fair excuse for laughter, and made up her arrears heartily. Connie was not at all displeased. Peggy 'got on' further, chaffing Connie on her conquest and professing all proper admiration for the victim. 'Mind you don't say anything to mamma,' Connie cautioned her. 'It's all a dead secret.' 'I'm very good at secrets,' Peggy assured her. 'He gave me this,' murmured Connie, displaying a bangle. 'How perfectly sweet!' cried Peggy. 'It is rather nice, isn't it? I love diamonds and pearls. Don't you, Miss Ryle? Lady Rattledowney admired it very much.' 'Did you tell her where it came from?' 'No--and mamma thinks I bought it!' Peggy had arrived at the conclusion that this guilelessness was overdone; she adopted, without serious doubt, the theory of transmission. Nothing was to be repeated to mamma, but as much as she chose might find its way to Trix Trevalla. The information was meant to add a drop of bitterness to that sinner's cup. Peggy was willing to take it on this understanding--and to deal with it as might chance to be convenient. 'I hope you haven't found me very dull, Miss Ryle?' 'No!' cried Peggy, with obvious sincerity. Connie had been several things which Peggy subsequently detailed, but she had not been tiresome.