it occurred to her that Uncle Ewen might have something to say to these
transactions, and she hastily told the shopman not to send the things to
Medburn House till she gave the order.

Out they went, this time into the crowded Cornmarket, where there were
no colleges, and where the town that was famous long before the
University began, seemed to be living its own vigorous life,
untrammelled by the men in gowns. Only in seeming, however, for in truth
every single shop in the street depended upon the University.

They walked on into the town, looking into various colleges, sitting in
Broad Walk, and loitering over shops, till one o'clock struck from
Oxford's many towers.

"Heavens!" said Constance--"and lunch is at 1.15!"

They turned and walked rapidly along the "Corn," which was once more
full of men hurrying back to their own colleges from the lecture rooms
of Balliol and St. John's. Now, it seemed to Constance that the men they
passed were of a finer race. She noticed plenty of tall fellows, with
broad shoulders, and the look of keen-bitten health.

"Look at that pair coming!" she said to Annette. "That's better!"

The next moment, she stopped, confused, eyes wide, lips parted. For the
taller of the two had taken off his cap, and stood towering and smiling
in her path. A young man, of about six foot three, magnificently made,
thin with the leanness of an athlete in training,--health, power,
self-confidence, breathing from his joyous looks and movements--was
surveying her. His lifted cap showed a fine head covered with thick