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148 he had to go to Gumford next day. Dowling said that he, too, ought to pay a visit to the Bank, but the old horse, Peter, was ailing.

"Travers offered to drive him. Dowling remarked, however, that he had another engagement, and suggested that his daughter could do his business, and it was arranged that Travers should give her a lift.

"'Deuced lucky fellow,' I whispered him afterwards."

"You were on the wrong scent there. He's head over ears in love with some one else."

"'Don't be a fool,' he replied, 'she's only a child. If it were some one else whom you do not know, then you might envy me my drive. I'll introduce you to-morrow. But I'm glad to oblige the Dowlings. Eva is a sensible piece of goods, too; does half the business in Gumford and on the farm. Her parents slave in the same way, yet are as refined as they are plucky.'"

Though frank affected to treat the incident lightly, it set him thinking.

"Come and have a sail on the lake," he suggested. "I am going to take a holiday on your account. We will ask Miss Maud to come too."

"Are you and she still carrying on?" asked Tom.

"None of your nonsense. Lord. We never did and never shall make love. We are devoted to——"

"Each other. Yes, I know all about it, old fellow. You still make believe. Happy innocents!"

Smiting his friend on the chest, and bidding him not make senseless suggestions, Frank with his companion jumped into a car, pressed a button, and were in an instant gliding swiftly towards the lake.

Gwyneth had promised to spend the morning at Mrs. Dowling's, and to read to the old lady the Laureate's