He often used to talk about them." "And," said Alice Deringham, "you wondered if he was mistaken ?" Alton made a little gesture that in a curious fashion implied a wide chivalric faith.

"No," he said gravely, "I believe he was right." Miss Deringham felt a faint warmth creep into her cheek, and it was not because the speech might have been deemed a personal compliment.

She saw a little deeper into the man's nature than that, and, if she had not, the tone of grave respect would have enlightened her.

Then she turned with a little sense of relief as Deringham came out upon the verandah.
"I am pleased to see you and Mr.Alton have made friends," he said, and the girl, who noticed a faint twinkle in his eyes, turned quietly and looked down the valley as she remembered one odious clause in the will.
She rose early next morning, and flinging the window open to let in the glorious freshness heard a commotion below, while as she wondered as to the cause of it several pairs of old boots went gyrating over the balustrade of the verandah.

A dilapidated saddle followed them, and then a cloud of dust rolled up, while she saw the new owner of Carnaby appear somewhat scantily attired out of the midst of it.