As to Sophie Mellerby, her visit was elastic.

She was there for a purpose, and might remain all the winter if the purpose could be so served.

For the first fortnight Lady Scroope thought that the affair was progressing well.

Fred hunted three days a week, and was occasionally away from home,--going to dine with a regiment at Dorchester, and once making a dash up to London; but his manner to Miss Mellerby was very nice, and there could be no doubt but that Sophie liked him.

When, on a sudden, the heir said a word to his aunt which was almost equal to firing a pistol at her head.