at Vandeloup's attention. 'I'm sorry you should miss your evening's
pleasure for that.'

'Ah, Madame, I do but exchange a lesser pleasure for a greater one,'
said the gallant Frenchman, with a pleasant smile; 'but are you sure
you will not want me to drive you home?'

'Not at all,' said Madame, as they all went outside; 'I am quite
safe.'

'Still, with this,' said Mr Marchurst, bringing up the rear, with
the nugget now safely placed in its wooden box, 'you might be
robbed.'

'Not I,' replied Mrs Villiers, brightly, as the horse and trap were
brought round to the gate by Brown. 'No one knows I've got it in the
trap, and, besides, no one can catch up with Rory when he once
starts.'

Marchurst put the nugget under the seat of the trap, but Madame was
afraid it might slip out by some chance, so she put the box
containing it in front, and then her feet on the box, so that it was
absolutely impossible that it could get lost without her knowing.
Then saying goodbye to everyone, and telling M. Vandeloup to be out
at the Pactolus before noon the next day, she gathered up the reins
and drove slowly down the hill, much to the delight of Mr Villiers,
who was getting tired of waiting. Kitty and Vandeloup strolled off
in the moonlight, while Marchurst went back to the house.

Villiers arose from his hiding-place, and looked up savagely at the