Eve Berkeley heard the American was at Trent Park; Alan had already described him to her, also told her of his offer for Mameluke. She was interested, thought she would like to meet him. She invited Alan to bring him to The Forest. He mentioned it to Braund, who was eager to accept, and accordingly they went. Valentine thought American women "licked creation," and said so most emphatically, but when he saw Eve Berkeley he was astonished at her beauty, and acknowledged to himself that he had never seen a woman to beat her, "not even in New York." Alan was amused at his open admiration of Eve; he laughed when Braund said: "What a woman, splendid! She's a tip-top beauty; she'd create a sensation in New York." "I thought you'd like her," said Alan. "Like her! Good heavens, she's past liking, miles beyond it; she's adorable." "And her friend, Miss Hallam?" asked Alan. "A beauty, but not the equal of Miss Berkeley, not by a long way," said Braund. This conversation took place before dinner when they were alone for a few minutes. "I thought American women 'licked creation,'" said Alan, imitating him. "Now there you have me. As a rule they do, but Miss Berkeley--she's superb," said Braund enthusiastically. The dinner was a success; they were lively. Braund devoted himself to Eve, and Alan was occupied with Ella. "I've bought Mr. Chesney's horse Mameluke," said Braund. "I gave him thirty thousand for him and I don't consider him dear. What do you think of the horse?" "He's one of the best we have, and I am surprised Mr. Chesney has parted with him," said Eve. "So am I, but then money is money and it was cash down," said Braund. "Mr. Chesney has plenty of money--I wonder why he sold him?" said Eve. "You don't think there's anything wrong with the horse?" asked Braund sharply. "Oh no," laughed Eve; "don't be alarmed. Mr. Chesney would not have sold him to you had such been the case." "No, I suppose not; but I've known men who would," said Braund. "In America?" asked Eve, with a merry twinkle in her eyes. "Yes; there's some pretty cute hands at a bargain in my country." "But it would be dishonest," protested Eve. "We don't call it that," said Braund. "Then what do you call it?" she asked. "It would be regarded as a cute bit of business. A man is supposed to look after his interests; if another man gets the better of him, it's all in the game. We admire the man who gets the better of another man," said Braund. Eve laughed as she said: "I am afraid that is not my way of looking at things." "No, of course not; how could it be?" said Braund quickly. Eve was amused at him. He had an unending flow of conversation, his remarks were original, he expressed opinions freely in a way she was not accustomed to hear. On the whole he created, if not an altogether favorable impression, at least a curiosity to know more of him.