'Quite alone, papa.'

'He must find it rather a dull business, I should think.'

'Mr. Collingwood says he is very fond of study, and that he has a
wonderful collection of old books. He is a great smoker too, I
believe; he walks a good deal; and he hunted all last winter. They
say he is a tremendous rider.'

Augusta Darrell came in at this moment, ready for her ride. Her slim
willowy figure looked to great advantage in the plain tight-fitting
cloth habit; and the little felt hat with its bright scarlet feather
gave a coquettish expression to her face. She tapped her husband
lightly on the arm with her riding-whip.

'Now, William, if your are quite ready.'

'My dearest, I have been waiting for the last half-hour.'

They went off to their horses. Milly followed them to the terrace,
and watched them as they rode away.

We spent the morning out-of-doors sketching, with Julian Stormont in
attendance upon us. At two o'clock we all meet at luncheon.

After luncheon Milly and I went to the drawing-room, while Mrs.
Darrell and Mr. Stormont strolled upon the terrace. My dear girl had
a sort of restless manner to-day, and went from one occupation to
another, now sitting for a few minutes at the piano, playing brief