Ella Hallam came into the room. When she saw Alan she said: "I did not know you had a visitor. I ought to have asked. It is rude of me." "Alan Chesney is an old friend," said Eve. "Allow me to introduce you." They shook hands, their eyes met, and Ella Hallam felt something in her life was changed from that moment; as for Alan, he seemed quite unconscious he had created any interest out of the common. "Yes, I come from Sydney," replied Ella, in answer to his question about Australia. "And your father owns racers?" he asked. "Yes; racing is his chief amusement. He's always saying it is a very expensive hobby, and exhorts me to economize in order that he may keep things going," she replied, laughing. "He is coming to England. I expect him in about a month. He may bring one or two horses, he was thinking of doing so I know. He has a very high opinion of our thoroughbreds, thinks they are equal to your best." Alan laughed as he replied: "I have seen some of your horses run here. They are good, but equal to our best, no; at least I do not think so. I have two I'd like to match against any colonial-bred horse." "Perhaps my father will give you a chance if he brings Rainstorm," she said. "Is he a good horse?" "Rather, he won the Melbourne Cup," she replied. "Then I shall be taking something on if I tackle him?" he said. "You will--and you'll be beaten," she answered confidently. He shook his head. "I do not think so," he replied. "Mr. Chesney hopes to win three races at Epsom this week," said Eve. She spoke sharply, she thought they were having the conversation to themselves. It was evident they would soon be on a very friendly footing if sufficient opportunity offered. "I'd love to see your horses win--and back them," said Ella, still speaking to Alan. Eve looked at Alan, something in her expression warned him she was not in the best of tempers--why? He spoke to her, answering Ella's remark. "I am glad your friend will be pleased to see my horses victorious," he said. "It would be strange if she were not, especially as she says she will back them--eh, Ella?" said Eve. "And you? You will back them?" she asked. "Of course; he has just given me the tips, that is what he called about," said Eve. "And also to see you," thought Ella. "What do you think of Mr. Chesney?" asked Eve when Alan left. "He's a very good-looking man and I should think extremely agreeable and excellent company. Is he an old friend?" said Ella. "We have known each other since we were children." "My goodness, how jolly! And I suppose you are quite chums still," exclaimed Ella. Eve laughed as she replied: "We are staunch friends. His estate joins my little place where you are coming to stay with me," said Eve. "I shall have opportunities of meeting him," thought Ella. "You must see him often?" she said aloud. "Oh, yes; sometimes two or three times a week. He calls when he likes and I am always at home to him."