“No, indeed, I’m in deadly earnest; but you must do as Doodie wishes.” “He’s a nice young fellow, as keen as mustard, and straight as a die; and I’m fond of Lance.” “So am I,” assented Mrs. Hesketh. “Wouldn’t they make an ideal couple!--so young and honest, and good-looking--but naturally we must not think of it. Where are they now? Together?” and she glanced at her companion with whimsical dismay. “Yes, they went off to the skating after lunch. I intended going too, but I’ve a touch of gout.” “What, all the way to Barnby Mere--_alone_? If Doodie knew, she’d have fit after fit.” “No, no; I believe they were to call for Denton. But I say, Maudie, I’m rather in a hole, I’ve asked the fellow to shoot to-morrow, and to dine.” “I’ll take him off your hands for dinner,” she answered with short decision, “the shoot can stand over. We must manage somehow.” As Mrs. Hesketh walked through the village in the frosty January night, she heard two voices approaching; and presently Letty and her escort came into view.--They had deposited the Rector at home, and were _en route_ to The Holt, unaware that its door was now, figuratively, barred against this undesirable Guest. Moved by a sudden impulse, she resolved that her own house should stand wide for him, and for Letty. Yes, in spite of Doodie and Prudence! These two young people should have just _one_ glimpse of Paradise, before the dust and tumult of the world overtook them. Maude Hesketh was a clever woman, and it was marvellous how she contrived to arrange meetings without apparent effort, or giving cause for remark, much less gossip. She had a taste for psychology, for the study of character, and a charming romance unfolded under her own eyes was ten times more absorbing than any novel. She watched the swift and silent approaches of spirit to spirit, listened to the light raillery and random talk, that disguised much greater things,--which so far remained unspoken. Letty and Lancelot were unaware, that they were in the thrall of the all-compelling power, which insensibly draws youth to youth. But their hostess noted their happy faces, their tireless sociability, their frequent, and uncalled-for smiles.