The Spectator., 1915-06-11
CHAPTER IV.-Continued.


 
 'Of course. They've been engaged nearly year, but he's been abroad un- til quite lately He is rather close about his own affairs, and never talks about his travels and adventures. al though one day Mir. Leithcourt de clared that his hairbreadth escapes would make most exciting book if ever written"
 "Leithcourt and he are evidently most intimate friends"
 "Oh, quite inseparable," she laughed. And the other man who is always with them is that short, stout, red-faced old fellow standing over there with the lady in pale blue, Sir Ughtred Gardner Mir Woodroffe has nicknamed him Sir Putrid' And we both laughed. "Of course, don't say said so." she whispered. They don't call him that to his face. but it's so easy to make a mistake in his name when he's not within hearing. We women don't care for him. so the nick name just fits"
 'N 'HS 6OsoAPCu oii, ttiIiAS llt much that desired to know regarding the new tenant of Rannoch and his friends. and more especially of that man who had first introduced himself to me in the consulate at Leghorn.
 Half an hour later my uncle's car riage was announced, and l left with the distinct impression that there was  Leithcourts. Whatever the reason. had become filled with grave appre- tensions. The mystery grew deeper day by day. and was inexplicable.
 During the week that followed I sought to learn all I could regarding the new people at the castle
 They are taken up everywhere" declared my aunt when I questioned her. "Of course, we knew very little of them, except that they had shoot up near Fort William two years ago. and that they have town house in Green street. They are evidently rather smart folks. Don't you think so?"
 Judging from their house party, yes," l responded. They are about as gay crowd as one could find north of Carlisle just at present"
 "Exaxctly. There are some we'll. known people among them. too." said my aunt. I've asked them over to- morrow afternoon. and they've ac- cepted."
 Excellent" I exclaimed, for want ed an opportunity for another chat with the darkeyed girl who was en- gagged to the man whose alias was Hornby. l particularly. desired to as. certain the reason of her fear when had mentioned the Lola, and whether she possessed any knowledge of Hyl- ton Chatter.
 The opportunity came to me in due course. for next afternoon the Rannoch party drove over in two large brakes. and with other people from the neigh borhood and band from Dumfries, my aunt's grounds presented a gay and animated scene.
 AS expected, Woodroffe did not ac- company the party Mo. Leithcourt. a slightly fussy little woman, apologized for his absence, explaining that he had been recalled to London suddenly a few days before, but was returning to Rannoch again at the end of the week. We couldn't afford to lose him." she declared to my aunt. He is so awfully humorous-his droll sayings and antics keep us in a perfect roa, each night at dinner. He's such per. feet mimic"
 I turned away and strolled with Muriel, pleading an excuse to show her my uncle's beautiful grounds. not a whit less picturesque than those of the castle, and perhaps rather better kept
 q only heard yesterday of your en. gagement. Miss Leithcourt." re- marked presently when we were alone. Allow me to offer my best congratula, tions. When you introduced me to Mir. Woodroffe the other day had no idea that he was to be your husband" She glanced at me quickly. and saw in her dark eyes look of suspicion Then she flushed slightly and laugh. ing uneasily said. in blank. hard voice:
 It's very good of you. MT. Gregg to wish me all sorts of such pleasant things"
 And when is the happy event to take placer"
 ''The date is not exactly fixed--early next year, l believe" and I thought she sighef