to his father, of laying before him the facts of his position, and
asking seriously whether some financial arrangement could not be
made, which would render him independent for a year or two. Another
thought occurred to him--but he did not care to dwell upon it for
the present. Twenty-four hours' consideration decided him to go down
to Hollingford without delay. When he had talked with Lady Ogram, he
would be in a better position for making up his mind as to the
practical difficulty which beset him.

He esteemed it very friendly on Connie Bride's part to have written
such a letter of advice. Why had she taken the trouble?
Notwithstanding the coldness of her language, Connie plainly had his
interests at heart, and gave no little thought to him. This was
agreeable, but no matter of surprise; it never surprised Lashmar
that anyone should regard him as a man of importance; and he felt a
pleasant conviction that the boyish philandering of years ago would
stand him in good stead now that he understood what was due to
women--and to himself.





CHAPTER V




So next morning he packed his bag, drove to Euston, and by mid-day
was at Hollingford. The town, hitherto known to him only by name,