“No, not gipsies. They hardly ever give up a child they have stolen, unless they are in danger of being caught; and if that had been the case in your story, the child’s parents would probably have claimed it, for they would have been employing detectives, and the police would have been informed. I should think the baby Mr. Scott found must have been an orphan in charge of some relations who were glad to get rid of it.” “That certainly sounds likely,” answered Lionel. “I think it will be better not to speak about it to my mother or the others. I’m not quite sure why I’ve told you.” “You told me because I called Miss Scott dreadful. I am sorry I did. I won’t do it again.” “That’s all right--you didn’t mean it. We were talking about Jocelyn, I remember. I never understand how women do their thinking, and I suppose that I am not curious enough to study them.” “What has that to do with anything?” asked Miss Trevelyan quickly. “I was only wondering why, since you like Jocelyn, you are always as disagreeable as possible to him and as nice as possible to me.” Miss Trevelyan laughed and looked away from him. “Of course you don’t understand!” she said. “Men never do.” “I’ll give you a piece of advice, Miss Anne. The next time you make an ascent, make Jocelyn go with you, and see what happens.” “Nothing would induce him to go, I am sure.” “I think I could manage it, if you will only ask him.” “I’ll take odds that you can’t,” declared Miss Anne emphatically. “Six to four,” offered Lionel, who was not a Follitt for nothing. “Two to one would be more like it,” proposed the young lady. “I only mean sovereigns, of course. I’m not on the make.” “Done!” answered Lionel promptly. “I wish it were thousands!” “Well, it’s in your stable!” laughed Miss Anne, who seemed pleased, “and I suppose you know what you can do.” “There’s only one condition. You must ask him before me.” “All right.” CHAPTER V The interview which was the consequence of Miss Trevelyan’s bet took place the following morning, in the presence of most of the family. As has been said, the Trevelyans had the privilege of the mess-room when the house was full; and as Anne was very much in earnest, she found her way there after breakfast, when she was sure Jocelyn and his brothers would be together. She was not disappointed. They were scattered about the big room when she came in, and the Colonel was writing a note at his little desk before the window. Lionel guessed why she had come, and gave her a lead at once. He had the morning paper in his hand. “Have you seen this?” he asked, looking at her directly. “There’s been another of those awful motor accidents. The thing ran away, and caught fire, and was smashed by an express train. Frightful, isn’t it!” “Anybody we know?” asked Miss Anne, coming up to him.