XLII. UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE
XLIII. SIR GILBERT'S TEMPTATION
XLIV. AT BAY
XLV. ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL






CHAPTER I.

ELMA'S STRANGER.





It was late when Elma reached the station. Her pony had jibbed on
the way downhill, and the train was just on the point of moving
off as she hurried upon the platform. Old Matthews, the stout and
chubby-cheeked station-master, seized her most unceremoniously by
the left arm, and bundled her into a carriage. He had known her
from a child, so he could venture upon such liberties.

"Second class, miss? Yes, miss. Here y'are. Look sharp, please.
Any more goin' on? All right, Tom! Go ahead there!" And lifting his
left hand, he whistled a shrill signal to the guard to start her.

As for Elma, somewhat hot in the face with the wild rush for her