"I'm not so sure of that," said Sybil, slowly. "I have a great opinion of race myself, Leo. But, come," she broke off, "there is my father waving to me. I wonder what he wants. To go home, I expect." Mr Tempest did, indeed, want to go home, and, moreover, he seemed by no means anxious for the company of Leo. Quite different to his usual self, he was stiff and cold towards the young man. Mrs Gabriel saw this, and smiled. Not in vain had she adopted the stronger measures of which she had spoken to Sir Frank. However, she gave Leo no time to talk to the vicar, but took possession of him and threw him into the company of Miss Hale. Leo was obliged to talk to the girl, for, although she bored him greatly, she was too unoffending a creature to hurt. Frank saw how dexterously Mrs Gabriel had managed, and came up to her. "What have you been doing?" he asked in a low voice. "Talking Mr Tempest over to my views about this marriage. Set your mind at rest, Frank. Leo will never become the husband of Sybil now." Sure enough matters seemed to be quite in Mrs Gabriel's favour. On arriving home Mr Tempest had a scene with his daughter, and forbade her to think any more of Leo. "Had I known of this before, it would not have gone so far," said the vicar; "but I have been blind. Fortunately, Mrs Gabriel has opened my eyes. It must stop!" "I am engaged to Leo Haverleigh," said Sybil, firmly. "Nothing of the sort!" retorted the vicar. "I won't have it, I tell you. I do not consider that Leo is a fit husband for you." "And what is your reason, father?" "I decline to give it you. Later on I may do so, but not now. Please do not argue, Sybil. I won't hear a word. You are neither to see Leo again nor are you to talk to him. I won't have it." "But, father--" "That's quite enough, Sybil. Not another word." And, as the girl knew of the rages into which her father was capable of falling, she said nothing more at the time lest she might provoke one. But this sudden change of front on the part of her easy-going father bewildered her. Leo was also at his wits' end to understand the new state of things. From the day of the picnic he never had a chance of seeing Sybil alone, nor was he asked, as formerly, to the Vicarage. Mr Tempest was coldness itself when they met, and appeared to wish to see as little of him as possible. Leo asked Mrs Gabriel what was the meaning of these things, but could get no answer. She only laughed insultingly, and said that Mr Tempest was of her opinion about this ridiculous marriage. Leo saw Mr Pratt, and consulted him. "I guess you'd better leave it to me," said Pratt, who was on the side of the lovers. "I'll bring Mrs Gabriel to reason." "But it is more the vicar that needs bringing to reason," argued Leo. "He has changed wholly towards me." "Perhaps he has heard of your debts," suggested Pratt, pondering.