Such ought not to have been the case with Fred Neville now;--but in such light he regarded it.

He had already said to himself that Sophie Mellerby was to be pitched at his head.

He knew no reason,--none as yet,--why he should not like Miss Mellerby well enough.

But he was a little on his guard against her, and preferred seeing his horses first.

Sophie, when according to custom, and indeed in this instance in accordance with special arrangement, she went into Lady Scroope's sitting-room for tea, was rather disappointed at not finding Mr.Neville there.